Celebrating the honest friendly and trustworthy people born under the Zodiac sign Year of the Dog the Royal Australian Mint has continued their tetra-decagon (14 sided) cupro-nickel 50 cent coin. 

The Chinese Zodiac Sheng Xiao has its basis in a twelve-year cycle. Each year is represented by one of twelve animals with unique personality traits with these characteristics being passed on to people born in that year. In 2018 the Lunar Year of the Dog will see the births of many people who are said to be faithful courageous agile smart and warm-hearted.

The Chinese calendar also rotates through the elements of earth fire water metal and wood as part of a larger 60-year cycle. The earth dogs born this year will also be communicative serious and responsible in work.

At many Chinese celebrations holidays and special events monetary gifts are given to wish hope and prosperity to younger people. These offerings are traditionally given in red envelopes a colour which both symbolises good luck and wards off evil forces.