In many countries, especially Japan and other Asian countries, the twelve animal signs of the Oriental zodiac are applied to aspects of life such as years, months, days, directions, and times. The Japan Mint releases a pure gold medal representing a zodiac sign every year, and the medal for the year 2022 features the year’s sign, the tiger.

Obverse (left) / Reverse (right)

Obverse: A tiger, the zodiac sign for the year 2022, is depicted in relief.
Reverse: The reverse depicts the silhouette of a tiger, the zodiac sign for the year 2022, using iridescent color shining technology.

Packaging

Specifications

Composition	99.9% Pure Gold (Fineness Certification* stamped by Japan Mint)
Weight	Approximately 7.8g
Diameter	20mm
Special Technique	Iridescent color shining technology**

Scheduled Sales Quantity: 1,700 pieces / for overseas market: Max. 5 pieces

* Mint Certification Mark of Precious Metal Wares (Hallmark)
The Japan Mint examines and certifies the fineness of precious metal wares by stamping specific marks on all wares that pass this examination. These marks are commonly called hallmarks.

** A processing technology used to create an iridescent shine on a metal surface using interference of light reflected from microgrooves engraved on the surface. The surface shines in different colors when viewed from different angles.

Please contact us (overseas@mint.go.jp) if you are interested in this product.