Royal Mint releases commemorative coins in celebration of Chinese Year of Monkey

Coins of lunar Year of the Monkey are seen on the desk of a workshop at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Britain, Feb. 1, 2016. The Royal Mint on Friday released its latest collection of fine gold and silver coins in celebration of the Chinese lunar Year of the Monkey. [Xinhua/Wu Congsi]

Each lunar year is linked to one of 12 zodiac animals, whose traits are attributed to those born during that year. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are thought to be energetic, quick-witted and sociable, and enjoy applying their appetite for knowledge to creativity and problem solving.

Ho told Xinhua: "Monkeys are very lively, intelligent, and adorably cheeky and playful. When I think of the Chinese monkey, I think of the legend of the Monkey King who stole the peaches of immortality and who had incredible powers."

She has depicted two rhesus monkeys in her composition. Ho explains: "Rhesus monkeys and humans shared a common ancestor about 25 million years ago. They are extremely intelligent, sociable and family oriented, and are equally good at climbing and swimming."

"The larger monkey is leaping from one tree forward into the void. He's leaping out into the unknown. This signifies that he's very brave and courageous. I hope people viewing the coin will appreciate some of the power and freedom that the monkey has."