Struck in two ounces of pure silver, this legal tender issue of Laos is sure to be a collectors favorite thanks to its realistic depiction of an Ox in the center of the reverse face. The Ox is surrounded by a circular inlay of genuine Jade and is further decorated with select gold plating of descriptive text elements.
At 55 mm in diameter, the coin is large enough to accommodate some important design elements, such as a circle around the edge of the coin containing eight oxen – the numeral “8” being a lucky number in Chinese culture – and THE YEAR OF THE OX in both English and Chinese.
In addition, this 2021 Laos Lunar Ox coin has been struck in gorgeous proof condition and it delivers with a mint capsule, presentation case and a certificate of authenticity.
According to Chinese folklore, the Ox is the second animal of the zodiac because it was tricked by the rat into giving it a ride to a party being thrown by the Jade Emperor. When the pair arrived, the rat jumped off and arrived seconds before the ox. Nevertheless, the ox has assumed a place of honor among the celestial signs due to its importance to agriculture and its humble nature that never seeks praise for doing its job.