China's central bank will unveil a new form of commemoration for the upcoming Beijing Olympiad, a set of precious coins.

The Olympic commemorative coins are scheduled for release between 2006 and 2008 in three series, including nine golden coins and fourteen silver ones, the People's Bank of China said in a press release on Monday.

The first set will consist of two gold coins and 4 silver coins, with a face value of 150 yuan (about US$18.8) for the gold coin and 10 yuan (US$1.25) for the others.

The coins' designs will bear the traditional Chinese paired-dragons, the Olympic Games emblem, and the slogan "China 2008" on the recto, while the verso will take on scenes from Chinese history, folklore, culture and national heritage.

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2006)