1 oz PAMP Suisse Lunar Gold Coin

Swiss-Refined Zodiac Gold from PAMP Suisse

The 1 oz PAMP Suisse Lunar gold coin sits at the intersection of investment bullion and collectible art. Produced by PAMP (Produits Artistiques Metaux Precieux), an LBMA-accredited Swiss refinery founded in 1977, each annual release features a Chinese zodiac animal in the detailed minted finish that PAMP pioneered. At 999.9 fine gold, it matches the purity of dedicated bullion coins while carrying the additional appeal of annually changing designs.

Two distinct series carry the PAMP Lunar name. The original Lunar Calendar Series ran from 2012 to 2023, completing a full twelve-year zodiac cycle from Dragon to Rabbit. The Lunar Legend Series, launched in 2024, began a new cycle focused on the mythological stories behind each zodiac animal rather than straightforward depictions. The 2024 Azure Dragon, 2025 White Snake, and 2026 Horse represent this shift toward narrative-driven artwork rooted in Chinese folklore.

Every PAMP Lunar piece ships sealed in the distinctive red CertiPAMP tamper-evident assay card, individually serialised. Since 2017, bars and coins also incorporate Veriscan anti-counterfeiting technology, which maps the microscopic surface topography of each piece and stores it in PAMP's database. Buyers can verify authenticity through the Veriscan smartphone app without breaking the seal. This system holds LBMA Security Feature accreditation.

The collectible premium on PAMP Lunar products sits above generic PAMP or Valcambi bars of the same weight. Buyers focused purely on acquiring gold at the lowest cost per gram will find better value in non-themed products. The Lunar series appeals to those who want both investment metal and the annually changing zodiac designs, particularly for Chinese New Year gifting.

PAMP Lunar Gold Coin Denominations and Dimensions

The PAMP Lunar range also includes silver (1 oz, 10 g, 100 g in .999 fine) and platinum (1 oz in .9995 fine) versions. A complete twelve-bar set of all zodiac animals from the 2012-2023 Calendar Series is available in 5 g gold as a boxed collector set, commanding a premium well above the sum of individual pieces.

All PAMP Lunar products are minted (struck) rather than cast, producing the sharp detail and mirror-like finish that distinguishes PAMP's output. The obverse features the zodiac animal, often accompanied by the Chinese character for that animal. The reverse carries the PAMP logo, weight, purity, serial number, and assayer's mark.

PAMP Lunar Gold Tax Treatment by Country

PAMP Lunar gold products are refined bars and coins, not government-issued legal tender. This distinction affects tax treatment in several jurisdictions, particularly for capital gains.

• United Kingdom: Gold PAMP Lunar products are VAT-free as investment gold (999.9 fine, exceeding the 995 threshold). However, they are not CGT-exempt because they carry no legal tender status. UK buyers making capital gains will pay CGT at their marginal rate (18% basic, 24% higher), subject to the annual allowance. For CGT-exempt lunar-themed gold, the 1oz Royal Mint Lunar coin is UK legal tender.
• United States: IRA-eligible. PAMP gold bars and coins at 999.9 purity from an LBMA-accredited refiner meet IRS Section 408(m) requirements when held by an approved custodian. Long-term capital gains on bullion are taxed at the collectibles rate of up to 28%. No federal sales tax; approximately 35 states exempt bullion.
• European Union: VAT-exempt under the Investment Gold Directive (gold bars and ingots above 995 fineness). Silver and platinum PAMP Lunar products are subject to standard VAT rates (17-27% depending on country), though some countries offer margin scheme arrangements for silver.
• Switzerland: No VAT on investment gold. Silver PAMP Lunar bars attract 8.1% VAT. PAMP products can be purchased from GOLDAVENUE (PAMP's retail platform) with Swiss storage options.
• Canada: GST/HST exempt as gold bullion above 99.5% purity.
• Australia: GST-free as gold above 99.5% purity.
• Singapore: GST-exempt under the Investment Precious Metals (IPM) scheme for gold above 99.5% purity in qualifying form.
• Hong Kong: No sales tax or import duty. PAMP has strong recognition in Asian markets, and the Lunar theme carries particular cultural significance for Chinese New Year.

PAMP Lunar vs Perth Mint Lunar, Royal Mint Lunar, and Argor-Heraeus Lunar

The PAMP Lunar competes in a crowded field of zodiac-themed bullion. The key distinctions are format (bar versus coin), tax treatment, authentication technology, and track record.

The Perth Mint Lunar series is the benchmark for zodiac bullion, running since 1996 across three generations. Perth Mint Lunar products are legal tender coins (Australian dollars), which gives them potential CGT advantages in certain jurisdictions. Perth has nearly two decades' head start on PAMP's 2012 entry, and its coins have substantially greater secondary market liquidity. Both are 999.9 fine gold. PAMP's advantage is Veriscan digital authentication and the wider weight range extending down to 1 g.

The Royal Mint Lunar (Shengxiao Collection) coins are UK legal tender, making them CGT-exempt for UK buyers. This is the most significant practical difference for UK-based investors. The Royal Mint uses a contemporary Asian-influenced design style, while PAMP's Legend Series (2024 onward) draws from Chinese mythology and folklore. PAMP Lunar products carry no CGT exemption anywhere.

Argor-Heraeus, another Swiss LBMA-accredited refinery, also produces lunar-themed bars. Both share Swiss provenance and comparable purity, but PAMP's Veriscan technology and the widely recognised red CertiPAMP assay card give it an edge in buyer confidence and authentication. The Argor-Heraeus equivalent lacks a comparable digital verification system.

For buyers focused purely on gold acquisition cost, non-themed bars from any LBMA refinery, including PAMP's own Fortuna line, offer lower premiums per gram. The PAMP Lunar premium is the price of the annual zodiac design and its collectible value, which is strongest for the 5 g gold size popular as Chinese New Year gifts.