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About the 10 oz Chinese Lunar Gold Coin
The 10 oz Emirates Gold Chinese Lunar Gold Coin
This 10 oz gold coin is produced by Emirates Gold, a Dubai-based precious metals refiner, as part of their Chinese Lunar zodiac series. At .999 fine gold and 311 grams (10 troy ounces), it represents a substantial holding of gold in a single coin, valued at well over $30,000 at current prices. The Chinese Lunar theme places it within a broader tradition of zodiac-themed bullion that spans mints worldwide, from the People's Bank of China's original program (started 1981) to the Perth Mint's Australian Lunar series.
Emirates Gold is an LBMA-accredited refiner based in the United Arab Emirates, one of the world's major gold trading hubs. The company's refinery is located in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), and its products are recognised by the London Bullion Market Association, which provides assurance of metal quality. The Chinese Lunar design taps into the cultural significance of the zodiac cycle, with Dragon year issues historically commanding the highest premiums and collector interest across all lunar coin programs.
At the 10 oz gold weight, this coin is aimed at serious investors making significant capital allocations rather than incremental buyers. The premium structure at 10 ounces is substantially more efficient than fractional coins, but the absolute cost means the coin's liquidity depends on finding buyers prepared to transact at this level. For most retail investors, a collection of 1 oz gold coins offers more flexibility for partial liquidation.
10 oz Emirates Gold Chinese Lunar Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Emirates Gold (LBMA-accredited) |
| Metal | Gold |
| Purity | .9999 fine (24 carat) |
| Weight | 311.035 g (10 troy oz) |
| Design | Chinese Lunar zodiac (changes annually by zodiac animal) |
| Country of origin | United Arab Emirates |
Each year's edition features the zodiac animal for that year from the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The design changes completely with each zodiac year, giving each coin a distinct identity within the series.
At 10 ounces, the physical size of this coin is considerably larger than standard 1 oz pieces. For context, the Perth Mint's 10 oz gold coins measure approximately 60mm in diameter and nearly 8mm thick. Storage in a purpose-built capsule and secure vault or safe is advisable given the value concentrated in a single piece.
Tax Considerations for a 10 oz Gold Coin
The .9999 purity places this coin above investment gold thresholds in all major jurisdictions, ensuring favourable tax treatment on purchase.
- United Kingdom: VAT-exempt at 0% as investment gold (purity above 99.5%). Capital Gains Tax applies on disposal. Not CGT-exempt, as only UK legal tender coins qualify. The £3,000 annual CGT allowance may be consumed rapidly given the high value of a 10 oz coin; careful timing of disposals can help manage the liability.
- United Arab Emirates: 0% VAT on investment gold bullion. No capital gains tax. No import duty. The UAE is one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions globally for buying and holding gold.
- United States: Likely IRA-eligible based on purity, though Emirates Gold coins are not as commonly listed by IRA custodians as products from the US Mint, RCM, or Perth Mint. Capital gains taxed at the collectibles rate of up to 28%. No federal sales tax; state exemptions vary.
- Australia: GST-free as investment-grade gold. Capital gains apply with a 50% discount for holdings over 12 months.
- Singapore: GST-exempt under the IPM scheme. No capital gains tax.
- Hong Kong: No sales tax, no import duty, no capital gains tax.
The high per-coin value means that capital gains tax treatment becomes particularly important. In the UK, disposing of a single 10 oz gold coin could generate a gain well above the annual allowance, potentially triggering a significant tax liability. Splitting holdings across multiple smaller coins provides more flexibility for tax-efficient disposal over time.
10 oz Chinese Lunar Gold Coin: frequently asked questions
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The cheapest 10oz gold coin listed is $43,589.88, available from Ainslie Bullion. That works out to around 3.9% over the current $4,189.10 gold spot price. Prices change throughout the day as spot moves, so the comparison table always reflects the latest dealer quotes.
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Chinese Lunar coins celebrate the 12-year zodiac cycle, with each year's design featuring the corresponding zodiac animal on the reverse. The program was first issued in 1981, making it one of the oldest modern lunar coin series. This 10oz version is struck by Emirates Gold at 999.9 fine gold purity. The design changes each zodiac year and differs across cycles, giving each coin a distinct collectible character alongside its bullion value.
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Check the purity stamp (999.9), the Emirates Gold maker mark, and the weight: a genuine 10oz coin should weigh 311.035g (10 troy ounces). Buying from a reputable dealer and verifying the coin against its original packaging and documentation are the most practical steps for secondary-market purchases. A jeweller or assay office can confirm weight and purity if you are in any doubt.
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This 10oz Chinese Lunar gold coin weighs 10 oz (10 troy ounces). It is struck in 999.9 fine gold by Emirates Gold. Troy ounces are the standard unit for precious metals and are slightly heavier than avoirdupois ounces, so the coin's 311g is all fine gold content.