Obverse: the obverse of the collectible silver bar depicts a monkey standing on a tree branch. Behind it rises a tree trunk with branches and leaves, while the upper part features the Chinese character “猴”, meaning “Monkey”. The detailed relief of the animal’s fur, tree bark and branches stands out against the polished silver surface. The image forms part of a continuous composition extending to the other side of the bar.
Reverse: the reverse depicts the same monkey from behind, embracing the tree trunk, with its long tail curling around it. The upper part features the PAMP logo and the inscription “SUISSE”, indicating Switzerland. The lower section bears the technical specifications “10 g SILVER 999”, the bar’s individual serial number and the PAMP assay mark “ESSAYEUR FONDEUR”.
About the bar: the 2016 “Year of the Monkey” collectible silver bar belongs to the “Lunar Calendar Series” produced by the renowned Swiss precious metals manufacturer PAMP. The bar is made of 999 fine silver and weighs 10 grams. One of the most interesting features of this series is its complementary design: the monkey is shown from the front on one side and from behind on the other.
The Monkey is the ninth of the twelve animals of the Chinese lunar zodiac. In Chinese culture, the Monkey is traditionally associated with intelligence, resourcefulness, curiosity, energy and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
Years of the Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040, 2052.
The 2016 Year of the Monkey began on February 8, 2016 and ended on January 27, 2017. According to the Chinese five-element system, 2016 was the Year of the Fire Monkey.
People born under the sign of the Monkey are traditionally described as intelligent, curious, resourceful and quick learners. They often possess good judgement, an ability to find solutions to difficult situations quickly and a talent for taking advantage of opportunities. They usually enjoy activity, novelty and challenges, so monotonous environments can quickly become boring for them.
Monkey-sign people are also associated with a good sense of humour, sociability and an ability to attract the attention of others. They can be ambitious, competitive and persistent in pursuing their goals. Negative traits traditionally associated with this sign include impatience, cunning, a tendency to take risks and sometimes excessive confidence in their own abilities. In relationships, they value interesting communication, freedom and a partner who can keep up with their energetic lifestyle.
PAMP (“Produits Artistiques Métaux Précieux”) is a Swiss precious metals manufacturer renowned for its investment and collectible bars made from gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals. The “Lunar Calendar Series” was launched in 2012 and follows the twelve-animal cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The 2016 Monkey is the fifth design in the series, following the Dragon, Snake, Horse and Goat.
The bar is presented in its original red PAMP “CertiPAMP” packaging, which also serves as the manufacturer’s certificate of authenticity. It displays the bar’s weight, silver purity and individual certificate number, which matches the serial number engraved on the bar itself. The packaging protects the bar and confirms its essential authenticity details.
