Japan. 2026 Mint and Proof Sets Released With Medal Celebrating Lunar Year of the Horse

This year the Lunar calendar focuses on the Year of the Horse, and on this occasion, a special medal has been designed. The Lunar year commences on the 17^th February and according to the Zodiac, there is a twelve-year cycle represented by an animal, real and mythical in the case of the dragon. The medal is included in both the standard BU Mint and celebratory Mint set which has been added to the range of products offered by the Mint of Japan. The obverse side depicts a horse standing alongside a lake, it’s opposite reflection seen in the water. The reverse side includes the year 2026 and kanji characters 丙 (hinoe) and 午 (uma) translated as year of the horse.

The proof set range includes two versions, a six-coin set that includes a rectangular pure copper oxidised medal featuring the stylised image of a Paulownia and the inscription Proof in English on the obverse side and the year 2026 along with kanji  characters representing the Japan Mint on the reverse. The second option is available without the medal.

Each version proof and BU set include all six denominations currently in use, 500 yen bi-metallic (nickel-brass, cupronickel and copper),  100 yen cupro-nickel, 50 yen cupro-nickel, 10 yen bronze, 5 yen brass and a 1 yen aluminum coin.

The standard BU mint set is housed in a Lucite plastic frame case and card slip outer sleeve. The celebratory Mint sets are presented in a sealed blister-card format which includes a space to insert a photograph in the back cover. The proof sets are housed in a rigid Lucite case and presented in a dark leather embossed folder and card slip-case. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Mint of Japan where the dates for their availability will be posted.