As a natural gold producing nation some of the gold that is mined down-under inevitably finds its way to mints that use the refined gold to produce a range of gold and silver coins. Mints in Australia were established around the turn of the century under the authority of the British Royal Mint. In Western Australia, the Perth Mint initially produced gold sovereigns for the mint before the ownership of the mint passed to the WA Government. Now, they produce a range of gold and silver bullion products for investors and coin collectors. They have several ongoing coin programs such as the Australian gold lunar series. These coins are ideal for people who appreciate the Chinese lunar zodiac.