Rwanda Lunar

In 2017, Rwanda began their Lunar series. Like other Lunar series, it is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. BH Mayer, located at the Kunstprageanstalt GmbH mint in Munich, is responsible for producing the series. This is the same agency which mints the popular Rwanda Wildlife series. The design for the series features a "cracked ice" scheme with reminiscent of a tile mosaic or stained glass window. The reverse of the coins have the same look from year differing only in animal depicted. 

The series is produced in gold, platinum, and silver with the silver coins being minted in BU and proof finishes. All Rwandan Lunar Series Silver Coins feature one ounce of .999 pure silver. The face value of the coins is listed in Rwandan Francs at a set value of 50 RWF. The obverse side of each coin bears the coat of arms for Rwandan, and features inscriptions in the native tongue of a local tribe that has resided in Rwandan for centuries.

Rwandan Lunar Series coins are available each year in limited mintages but the mintages for the BU coins are not released. The BH Mayer mint facility keeps the original mintage low in order to protect the value of the products. 

Silver Bullion Mintage

Design

Obverse: As Rwandan legal tender, the obverse displays a large image of the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Rwanda centered, with inscriptions encircling the rim, including “BANKI NKURU Y’U RWANDA" and "AMAFARANGA MIRONGO ITANU.” The face value of 50 Francs is inscribed below the coat of arms and in between the words "AMAFARANGA" and "MIRONGO ITANU.”.

Reverse: For the series layout, the reverse displays a central image of the lunar animal. The animal is shown with a "cracked ice" technique similar to tile mosaics or stained glass. Above the central image is the symbol for the lunar year. Inscriptions encircling the rim include, “LUNAR OUNCE", the date, and "1OZ FINE SILVER 999.”