China 2002

China 2002 Year of the Horse 1/2 oz Gold Prooflike (Fan-Shaped)

Scarce, only 6,600 fan-shaped gold coins issued to commemorate the Chinese Year of the Horse. Precious metal content is 1/2 troy oz. 999 fine gold. Prooflike Brilliant Uncirculated quality. Legend has it that the 12 lunar-zodiac animals were selected by the Jade Emperor. He conducted a race of all the animals, and named years in the order that they finished. During the race across the countryside, the rat hitched a ride on the back of the slow but persistent ox. When the ox was a few feet from the finish line, the rat jumped off and raced ahead to claim the victory and the right to represent the first lunar-zodiac year. The horse finished in seventh place. According to tradition, people born in the Year of the Horse (2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, etc.) are hard workers, confident, cheerful, friendly and good looking.