Photo Gallery: Chinese zodiac coins

Chinese New Year

A resident showed his brand-new 2015 Year of the Goat coins. Photo by Xue Jing from Xinjing Bao.

Every Lunar New Year, the People’s Bank of China (PBC) releases a zodiac gold coin. In Chinese astrology theory, the calendar has a 12-year cycle, and each year is represented by an animal, beginning with the Year of Goat and ending with the Year of Horse.

PBC began issuing Chinese New Year zodiac coins, which are worth 1 yuan (about $0.16), in 2003. The coin series include expressions for happiness and good fortune.

The 2015 Year of the Goat coins launched Feb. 6, are part of the second Chinese Almanac coin series. The design incorporates a traditional lantern surrounded by flowers, which are symbols of blessing and festive cheer.

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