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 2023 features the year's sign, the rabbit.

Obverse (left) / Reverse (right)

Obverse: A rabbit, the zodiac sign for the year 2023, is depicted in relief.
Reverse: Part of the surface has been given a mirror-like finish to emphasize the luster of gold, while special techniques have been used to add the Japanese character meaning "rabbit" as a holographic latent image.

How to view the holographic latent image

1. Shine an LED light directly at the obverse of the medal from a distance of approximately 10-20 cm (A smartphone torch can be used as the light source.).
2. A kanji character "卯", meaning a rabbit in Japanese, will appear in the depths of the medal.

Packaging

Specifications

Composition	99.9% Pure Gold (Fineness Certification* stamped by Japan Mint)
Weight	Approximately 95g
Diameter	40mm
Special Technique	Holographic latent image

Scheduled Sales Quantity: 400 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.

Please contact overseas▲mint.go.jp (replace "▲" with "@") if you are interested in this product.