The highly anticipated 2025 dual-color copper alloy commemorative coins and banknotes in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year were officially available for exchange on Friday, sparking a collecting craze in east China's Shanghai.
At 8:30 on Friday, the Huancheng Road branch of China Construction Bank (CCB) in Jiading District opened its doors 30 minutes earlier to accommodate eager citizens.
Within minutes, more than 20 people formed an orderly queue to exchange their pre-booked items. Among them, Liu Jianguo was one of the lucky few who successfully secured 60 coins and 40 banknotes celebrating the Year of the Snake.
"This year's design is very meaningful. The snake holding a traditional ornament 'ruyi' in its mouth symbolizes auspiciousness and everything going smoothly," said Liu.
Other bank outlets in Songjiang, Qingpu, and Minhang districts also opened early to meet public demand.
"The design of the banknote is beautiful. Since I was born in the Year of the Snake, it holds special significance for me," said another Shanghai resident.
"It's the first day to get the commemorative banknotes, and I'm thrilled to have secured a set," said a Shanghai resident.
"It's so difficult to get these. Luck, timing, and persistence all play a part. My nephew was born in the Year of the Snake, and I want to reserve one set for him as a souvenir," said a Shanghai local.
The 2025 commemorative coins, with a face value of 10 yuan, and the commemorative banknotes, valued at 20 yuan, are each limited to a nationwide release of 100 million units.
The exchange period runs from January 3 to January 9.
Commemorative coins, banknotes spark collecting craze in Shanghai
