2016 Gold Proof £100, Lunar Year of the Monkey, One Ounce Coin.

661 Proof Coins were issued from a total mintage of 888.

1oz. x 999.9 Fine Gold

The 2016 Year of the Monkey bullion coins are the third issue in the Royal Mint's Shēngxiào Collection - a coin series dedicated to the Chinese Lunar calendar.

As the mint says:
"For centuries The Royal Mint has drawn upon its unrivalled heritage, experience, and craftsmanship to evolve and meet the needs of an ever-changing market. In 2014 we struck the United Kingdom’s first Chinese Lunar coins, introducing a new series and a United Kingdom first. The Shēngxiào Collection, named to honour the Chinese zodiac, is a celebration of the UK’s diverse multi-cultural society. At Chinese New Year, gifts and tokens are exchanged, particularly the gift of money in red envelopes, symbolising good wishes for the recipient’s health, wealth and prosperity. These Lunar coins from The Royal Mint embrace this globally observed tradition, lending a unique British angle to an ancient tradition."

The design of the 2016 Year of the Monkey coins shows two Rhesus monkeys in a tree. Rhesus monkeys and humans shared a common ancestor about 25 million years ago. They are extremely intelligent, sociable and family oriented, and are equally good at climbing and swimming.

The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait").

In small letters below the head, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).

Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 100 POUNDS ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, followed by the value and denomination in English.

The rim of the obverse is not "crenellated" (with a toothed border) and the background is plain, unlike the Britannia bullion coins.

The reverse design shows two Rhesus monkeys frolicking in a tree, arms outstretched while they leap to another tree branch. The monkey is believed to symbolise luck, honour, and wealth.

Around above, the inscription YEAR OF THE MONKEY 2016. Beneath this, the metal composition and content: 1 OZ FINE GOLD 999.9 (one ounce 99.99% gold).

Below, the Chinese character for "monkey": 猴.

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