Affordable lucky $1 note celebrates Chinese New Year
Who doesn’t love a bargain? In a time when most coin collectors think the Mint is overcharging, a product comes along on its website that is cheap. The Mint does…
Who doesn’t love a bargain?
In a time when most coin collectors think the Mint is overcharging, a product comes along on its website that is cheap.
The Mint does not actually make this product, though, which perhaps accounts for its very low price point of $5.95 each.
Instead, what is offered is produced by its sister institution, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and only marketed by the Mint.
The product is the latest entry in the BEP Lucky Money Collection. It has been created for the upcoming Year of the Pig 2019.
The pig is one of 12 animals in the Chinese lunar calendar. Starting Feb. 5, 2019, the Year of the Pig begins.
The “8” is considered the luckiest number in China because its name in Chinese sounds like the word for “wealth.”
The $1 note is packaged in a bright red folder. Red is a lucky color in China.
The folder’s design shows decorative Chinese symbolism. It is embossed with a pig in gold foil.
According to the BEP, the Year of the Pig 2019 symbolizes the character traits of loyalty and honesty.
The maximum number of these Year of the Pig notes that can be sold is 108,888.
That number probably means there will be no quick sellout, but the marketers are taking no chances.
For the first two days, there will be a household order limit of 250.
On Dec. 20, buyers will be able to take as many as they wish.
Veterans of Lucky Money offers from the BEP are reminded that the Mint and the BEP have now merged online sales operations.
Those who wish to order by telephone can call 1-800-USA-MINT.
Those who wish to buy in quantities of 1,000 or more can get bulk pricing. Telephone the BEP at 1-800-456-3408 for details.
A negative character trait for those born in the Year of the Pig is they can be lazy.
Don’t you be lazy and pass up the chance to order one.
Buzz blogger Dave Harper won the Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog for the third time in 2017. He is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."
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