CENTRAL BANK LAUNCHES IYA2009 COMMEMORATIVE COINS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's Central Bank (BNM) on Tuesday
launched commemorative coins to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy
2009 (IYA2009).

Launched by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Dr
Maximus Johnity Ongkili, the coins are available in three versions, namely the
gold, silver and Nordic-Gold brilliant uncirculated commemorative coin.

The gold commemorative coin has a face value of RM100 and is being sold at
RM1,200, with the mintage quantity limited to 100 pieces, the central
bank said in a statement.

With a face value of RM10, the silver commemorative coin is made of sterling
silver with only 350 pieces available.

Meanwhile, the Nordic Gold brilliant coin has a face value of RM1 and will
be sold at RM10 each. The mintage quantity is 10,000 pieces.

The coins will be available at BNM's headquarters and its branches in
northern city of Penang, southern city of Johor Bahru, east coast city of Kuala
Terengganu, East Malaysia cities of Kota Kinabalu and Kuching starting Tuesday.
(US$1=RM3.60)
-- BERNAMA
NJK AS