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About the 2 oz Chinese Lunar Silver Round
Chinese Zodiac Silver from the Emirates Gold Refinery
The 2 oz Emirates Gold Chinese Lunar Silver Round combines Chinese zodiac imagery with .999 fine silver in a 2 oz format. Emirates Gold is a Dubai-based refinery and bullion manufacturer that produces precious metals under its own brand. The Chinese Lunar series follows the 12-year zodiac cycle, with each annual release depicting the corresponding animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Lunar-themed bullion is a well-established niche, with the Perth Mint's Australian Lunar series and the Royal Mint's Shengxiao Collection being the most prominent sovereign examples. Emirates Gold's version brings the concept to a private-refinery product at a potentially lower premium than sovereign coins, though without the legal tender status, government backing, or advanced security features of those programmes.
The Chinese zodiac carries deep cultural significance across East and Southeast Asian communities, and Dragon-year issues historically command the highest premiums within any lunar series. For buyers who value the lunar cycle theme but prefer a UAE-sourced product, or who want the 2 oz format that is uncommon in other lunar programmes, the Emirates Gold Chinese Lunar provides an alternative to the dominant Australian and British series.
2 oz Emirates Gold Chinese Lunar Silver Round Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 troy oz (62.207 g) |
| Purity | .999 fine silver |
| Metal content | 62.207 g pure silver |
| Manufacturer | Emirates Gold (Dubai, UAE) |
| Series | Chinese Lunar |
| Theme | Chinese zodiac (12-year cycle) |
| Legal tender | No |
Emirates Gold is a DMCC-licensed (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) precious metals refinery based in Dubai. The .999 silver purity is the standard three-nines fine common to most silver bullion worldwide. The round carries no face value or legal tender status, classifying it as a privately-minted bullion round rather than a government coin.
Compared to competing lunar series, the Perth Mint Lunar coins use .9999 purity (four nines) and carry Australian legal tender status, and the RCM produces some lunar-themed coins in .9999 silver. The Emirates Gold series at .999 matches the purity of the original Chinese Lunar coins from the People's Bank of China, which has been minting zodiac coins since 1981 across multiple 12-year cycles.
The Chinese zodiac cycle comprises twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Dragon year issues historically command the highest collector premiums across all lunar-themed bullion programmes, reflecting the dragon's special significance in Chinese culture as a symbol of imperial power and good fortune.
Tax Treatment for Emirates Gold Lunar Rounds
As a private-refinery product with no legal tender status, tax treatment depends on the jurisdiction's rules for investment-grade silver.
UAE
The UAE exempts investment-grade silver bullion from the 5% VAT. No capital gains tax applies. As a domestic product from a DMCC-licensed refinery, this round receives the most favourable treatment in its home market.
United States
No federal sales tax. State exemptions apply where precious metals are exempt. IRA eligibility is unlikely for private-refinery rounds (IRS rules favour sovereign mint products and COMEX-approved bars). Capital gains taxed at up to 28%.
United Kingdom
20% VAT on purchase. Not UK legal tender; CGT applies on disposal. No tax distinction between this and any other non-UK silver round.
Singapore and Hong Kong
Singapore's IPM scheme may cover this round if Emirates Gold meets the accreditation requirements for the bullion form. Hong Kong imposes no tax on precious metals regardless of origin.
Canada and Australia
At .999 purity, the round meets purity thresholds for sales tax exemption in both countries (99.9% in Canada, 99.9% in Australia), subject to the source meeting local accreditation or recognition requirements.
2 oz Chinese Lunar Silver Round: frequently asked questions
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Emirates Gold is a UAE-based precious metals refinery that produces the Chinese Lunar series of .999 fine silver rounds, issuing a new zodiac animal design each year across the 12-year cycle. The rounds are privately minted bullion pieces, not government-issued coins, valued for their silver content rather than a face value.
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Each round contains 2 oz of 999 fine silver, equivalent to 2 troy ounces (62.207 grams) of pure silver. The weight and purity are stamped on the round. To find the current intrinsic metal value, multiply 2 troy ounces by the live silver spot price.