A set of 2024 auspicious cultural gold and silver commemorative coins Photo: Screenshot from China Gold Coin Group Co., LTD.

The People's Bank of China announced on Monday that a set of 2024 auspicious cultural gold and silver commemorative coins will be issued on May 20, among which, two heart-shaped commemorative coins have caught the attention of the public.

According to the central bank, the set of commemorative coins consists of a total of eight coins, including three gold coins, four silver coins, and one bimetallic gold and silver coin, all of which are legal tender in China. Their designs feature the word "auspicious" written in Chinese calligraphy, adorned with traditional Chinese patterns denoting luck, along with the country's name and the year.

Since 2015, the auspicious cultural coins have been issued annually, and heart-shaped commemorative coins have been introduced. This year, the heart-shaped commemorative coins are making a return.

The 5g gold and 3g silver bimetallic "Hearts Intertwined" commemorative coin features a back design of heart-shaped decorations and the words "Hearts Intertwined" in Chinese language along with the face value. The 30g heart-shaped silver "Hearts Intertwined" commemorative coin showcases a design of swans, hearts and flowers, along with the words "Hearts Intertwined" in Chinese and the face value.

Following the introduction of the ruyi-shaped commemorative coin last year, this year's commemorative set also includes two ruyi-shaped commemorative coins. The ruyi is an ancient Chinese symbol, which means "as one wishes." Most ruyi have two swirls curling inward with a point opposite the curls, as shown on the right.

The 5g gold ruyi-shaped commemorative coin features a design of ginkgo nuts and leaves, along with the words "ever-lasting prosperity" in Chinese, and the coin's legal value. The 30g silver ruyi-shaped commemorative coin showcases a design which incorporates dolphins, waves, corals, and starfish, along with Chinese words "ever-lasting prosperity" in addition to the coin's value.

In addition, several other commemorative coins in the set also carry auspicious meanings. 

The set of commemorative coins is distributed by China Gold Coin Group Co., LTD., and sales channels can be found on the company's website.

The delicate coins have captivated many netizens. One commented, "Are these for gifting to a significant other?" Another jokingly commented: "How can I casually let my significant other see these?" And, some netizens have expressed their desire to collect all the coins.

Global Times