TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Bank on Tuesday announced advance orders for a limited release of 90,000 “Year of the Horse” commemorative coin sets, with sales beginning amid strong expected demand, per CNA.
The bank said the price of the silver coin set has been raised to NT$2,450 (US$78), up from NT$1,900 last year, due to higher silver prices. Despite the increase, the bank said demand is expected to remain strong.
Advance orders will be available online and in person at Bank of Taiwan branches through Jan. 12. Of the total issuance, 50,000 sets will be sold through advance pre-orders, while the remaining 40,000 sets will be available for in-person purchase beginning Jan. 29 at Bank of Taiwan branches. Online buyers are limited to a maximum of five sets per person, while in-person purchases are capped at two sets per transaction.
Teng Yen-ta (鄧延達), director-general of the bank’s Department of Issuance, said the Year of the Horse is considered auspicious in Taiwan, noting that the horse, dragon, and tiger are among the most popular zodiac animals. As a result, the Central Bank increased the issuance from 80,000 sets last year, which marked the Year of the Snake, to 90,000 sets this year.
Teng said the price increase was unavoidable, citing a roughly 140% surge in silver prices last year, which briefly climbed to about NT$2,600 per 28 grams and is currently fluctuating near NT$2,425. He stressed that the coin set’s pricing reflects material costs and that profit was not a motive for the issuance.
The commemorative set includes a silver coin containing 37.5 grams of silver, featuring a partially gilded horse design on the obverse and Taipei 101’s New Year’s Eve fireworks on the reverse. The second coin is made of copper alloy and features a horse motif formed by interwoven geometric elements, with partially colored hydrangeas on the reverse.
The coin set is packaged in a specially designed box with an integrated base and display stand that allows for double-sided display when placed upright. The Central Bank said buyers who complete payment after pre-ordering may collect their coin sets at their selected Bank of Taiwan branch within one month starting Jan. 29. Detailed ordering procedures and regulations are available on the Central Bank’s website.
