New Zealand Mint commemorates Year of the Rat

Thursday, 7 February 2008, 9:35 am
Press Release: NZ Mint

7 February 2008

Today is the first day of the year 4706 in the Chinese calendar and to celebrate, the New Zealand Mint has produced a number of limited edition one ounce legal tender silver commemorative coins.

This year is the Year of the Rat and the coins features an engraved representation of the first animal of the Chinese zodiac in relief colour on a blue background bearing the inscription "Year of the Rat 2008".

"The rat is considered to be intelligent and cunning and we think that anyone picking up one of these coins will obviously displays both those traits," says Mark Sutton general manager of the New Zealand Mint.

"These silver coins will make a fantastic gift for those who are looking to give something different this Chinese New Year. The Year of the Rat commemorative coins will last forever as a special memento of this important year."

The coin are legal tender in the Pitcairn Islands, carry a NZ$2 denomination and the observe of the coins feature Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Throughout Chinese history, the rat has been welcomed as a bringer of material prosperity and the Year of the Rat silver coin is a great way of celebrating that," says Mr Sutton.

"The New Zealand Mint wishes everyone a happy Chinese New Year."

On the Web: www.newzealandmint.com

ENDS

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