The year 2020 is the year of the Rat within the Chinese Sexagenary Cycle. According to ancient Chinese astrology, one who is born in this year is a “Rat on the Beam.” An artistic interpretation of an age-old belief, this is a beautiful collector’s piece that must be kept as a token of the year of the Rat.
 
Rat on the Beam
The year of 2020 is the 37th year of the 60-year Sexagenary cycle and year of the Rat, also known as 庚子 in Chinese. It is said that one who is born in this year is a “Rat on the Beam” or “梁上之鼠”. According to Chinese astrology, they are expected to be powerful and well-respected, particularly in their career. It is also believed that women who are born in this year make efficient housewives who are able to care for and manage households in an orderly manner.
 
Spirited and Realistic
This piece features the Rat on the Beam with steady feet and bright eyes, ready to take on the year ahead with energy and vigour. Above the rat lies the title of the character in Chinese calligraphy that ties it back to its origins within the Chinese Sexagenary Cycle. Ancient Chinese motifs are also layered along the rims of the collectible, following through to the obverse. The year of 庚子 is thoughtfully designed as a traditional Chinese wax stamp and accented in red colour to a vivid effect while the title series reads below. An artistic interpretation of an age-old belief, this is a beautiful collector’s piece that must be kept as a token of the year of the Rat.
 
Chinese Sexagenary Cycle
The Chinese Sexagenary Cycle (六十甲子) is an ancient method of calculating years, months, dates and time. Consisting of 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches, a pairing of 1 character from the stem followed by another from the branch will derive the sexagenary number of a Chinese year. The 10 heavenly stems are each associated with the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – while the 12 earthly branches are represented by one of the 12 Zodiac animals.
 
Finish
The 2 oz 999 pure silver coin is struck in ultra-high relief while being complemented with antiqued silver finishing and topped off with a hint of red highlighting the year 庚子. 
This is a limited edition of 500 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.