Celebrating the Year of the Dog
The Royal Mint’s Shengxiào Collection celebrates the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, or Shengxiào, and their distinctive characteristics and qualities. The fifth release in the collection celebrates the sign of the dog.
Just as a dog is seen as a faithful companion, people born in the Year of the Dog are believed to be true friends. Typically, they are honest, kind and dependable.
Due to their loyal personality, those born in the Year of the Dog often work in jobs that involve helping others. They are popular in the workplace as they are easy-going and happy to lighten the load of those around them. While they can jump to conclusions, they tend to be intuitive and caring.
East Meets West
If you were to search for ‘Shēngxiào’ on the internet you would find The Royal Mint’s range of lunar coins.
Coins have been produced in the Far East in some form or another for thousands of years, just like they have in Britain. Both cultures have traditionally used coins in celebrations and family events, and while these customs date back over centuries, a new generation are embracing the ancient practices in a modern way.
In the United Kingdom coins are often the gift of choice for a special occasion. Brides traditionally tuck a sixpence into their shoe for good luck, and silver gifts are given to newborns and at christenings – inspired by the centuries-old custom of giving silver coins to a baby for good luck.
A Growing Relationship
The Royal Mint’s Shēngxiào Collection combines British minting craftsmanship with centuries-old Chinese traditions. Over the last five years Wuon-Gean Ho has worked with The Royal Mint’s Coin Design team to ensure this unique fusion is captured to full effect on the small-scale surface of a coin.
Although Wuon-Gean works in several mediums and has a wealth of design experience, working within the confines of a coin was a new challenge but one she enjoyed.
The artist has worked with several members of the Coin Design team but for the last two coins, celebrating the Year of the Rooster and Year of the Dog, she has worked closely with Kerry Davies who joined The Royal Mint in 2002.
Kerry has advised Wuon-Gean on the design considerations that are unique to coins, sometimes spending whole days with her to perfect a design.
“It’s been wonderful working with the craftsmen at The Royal Mint. I’m incredibly impressed and humbled at the amount of technical mastery and knowledge that they have.”
-Wuon-Gean Ho