美国财政部发行“吉利钱”迎接兔年

爱思英语编者按：据新华社报道，为庆祝即将到来的春节，美国财政部于周二发行了两款“吉利钱”：“玉兔”和“金狮”。美国财政部财务长罗西·里奥斯在印钞局的一个新闻发布会上正式展示了“吉利钱”系列的最新产品。兔年是中国阴历中的十二生肖年之一。“玉兔”吉利钱设计精美，上面画有中国特色的装饰性图案，并用烫有金字的大红卡片包装。“玉兔”吉利钱每张面值为一美元，编号以8888开头，在许多中国人眼中，这组数字是好运兴旺的象征。

In celebration of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the US Treasury Department Tuesday unveiled 2 new Lucky Money products, "Year of the Rabbit" and "Lucky Lion."

US Treasurer Rosie Rios formally unveiled the newest additions to the Lucky Money Collection at a news conference at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP).

The "Year of the Rabbit" is one of the 12 zodiac symbols associated with the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This lucky money product is exquisitely designed with decorative Chinese symbolism and is packaged in a red folder with gold foil.

The product features an un-circulated one-dollar note with a serial number beginning with “8888,” which is seen by many Chinese as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

The "Lucky Lion" includes a $10 note with a serial number beginning with "8888." This is the first time a Lucky Money product has featured a $10 note since the BEP introduced such kind of products in 2000.

The "Lucky Lion" is attractively presented in a decorative folder capturing the significance of Chinese numerology and is encased in a protective, clear, acid-free polymer sleeve.

"According to the legend, the lion is a symbol of strength and protects people from misfortune. It is also believed the shining light from the lantern guides the way toward prosperity and happiness," said Rios.

Both products will be on sale starting Wednesday. The "Year of the Rabbit" is sold for $5.95 and only 88,888 will be available for sale. The "Lucky Lion" is limited to 8,888 and is available for the price of $28.88. 更多信息请访问：http://www.engbus.cn/

The Lucky Money products have been well received both domestically and internationally, with a total sales of around 1,000,000 since Y 2000, according to Treasury officials.