US unveils lucky money notes for China's Year of the Horse

One of the $1 special notes issued to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Horse [Zhang Jun/Xinhua]

The US Treasury Department unveiled the latest seasonal addition to its $1-note "Lucky Money" collection on Tuesday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year of the Horse in 2014.

The Year of the Horse lucky money note features a $1 note with a serial number beginning with 8888, said US Treasurer Rosie Rios.

The Treasury will offer 88,888 Year of the Horse $1 notes, available for sale from Wednesday, she said.

The Year of the Horse is one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs associated with the Chinese Lunar Calendar, where 12 animals represent a rotating 12-year cycle.

Many Chinese believe their fate and character is tied to the zodiac symbols in the year in which they were born. The number 8 is also seen by many of the Chinese and Asian communities as a symbol of good fortune.

The lucky money product is designed with decorative Chinese symbolism and packaged in a red folder with gold foil and embossing.

The unveiling of the popular Chinese Lunar New Year lucky money product line is both a monetary event and a cultural event, said Rios.

She said there has been a strong interest and demand for the products, which have sold out almost every year.

"We also enjoy the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year as well," she added.

The Year of the Dragon lucky money product, with a record 108,888 notes for sale, sold out within a week in November 2011.

The Lucky Money products have been well received both domestically and internationally, since the Bureau of Engraving and Printing introduced them in 2000.