TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Long lines formed across Taiwan on Thursday as the government began in-person sales of remaining Year of the Horse commemorative coin sets at Bank of Taiwan branches nationwide.

While an earlier preorder lottery weeks ago allocated roughly half of the 90,000 sets, collectors hoping to secure one of the remaining coin sets lined up early in the morning.

An employee at a Bank of Taiwan branch on Xinyi Road said about 300 coin sets were available for purchase. This year’s set is priced at NT$2,450 (US$78), a significant increase from last year, attributed to higher silver prices.

“I think we should be able to sell out within one hour,” she said, adding that overall demand was similar to last year. She explained that each customer may purchase up to two sets.

One collector, surnamed Kuo (郭), said he was drawn by the horse-and-dragon design, which he described as auspicious. “I have collected the entire 12-year cycle,” he said.

Kuo said he took time off work to line up in person and arrived at the Bank of Taiwan Xinyi branch at 6 a.m., with only two people ahead of him. “I was not too worried that I would not be able to purchase the coin set,” he said.

He added that demand appeared more moderate this year, possibly due to the higher price. “Last year, I was the first person in line at 3 a.m. There was much more demand, and I was also born in that year, so I had to have it,” he said.

Kuo said he heard that at some branches in Sanchong, people began lining up as early as 5 a.m.

Another woman in line said she was purchasing a coin set at her mother-in-law's request to complete a full 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, which she believed would bring financial fortune. Asked whether she would be scolded if she returned home empty-handed, she laughed and said, “Probably not.”

She said she was confident she would be able to secure a set either in person or, if necessary, at a slightly higher price through an online reseller. With clear skies and a steadily moving line, she appeared in good spirits as she waited.

Another elderly couple, accompanied by their adult child, said they decided to line up on impulse just as the bank opened. Each planned to buy two sets to give as Lunar New Year gifts.

“This is our first time. We just came by and took a chance,” the woman said. “If we can buy the coin sets, we will probably give them away as gifts.”