TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Bank (中央銀行) expressed caution Friday (Dec. 20) regarding the issuance of a commemorative coin celebrating Taiwan's victory in the WBSC Premier12 baseball tournament. The bank cited manufacturing schedules, public interest, and budget allocations as significant hurdles.
Teng Yen-ta (鄧延達), director-general of the bank's Department of Issuance (發行局), explained that coin production requires at least six months. He added that the issuance process involves assessing public enthusiasm and budget considerations, necessitating approval from the Executive Yuan (行政院), making it a complex procedure.
While the bank has not provided a definitive answer, Teng emphasized the challenges, leading to a conservative stance on the coin's issuance. The bank annually releases zodiac coin sets and has previously issued a series featuring Taiwan's Indigenous cultures and national parks. When asked about incorporating professional baseball imagery on the reverse side of zodiac coins, Teng noted that these coins typically combine zodiac themes with traditional cultural activities.
Despite the current hesitancy, Teng stated that the Department of Issuance remains open to suggestions for commemorative coin themes and welcomes input from various sectors.
