The People's Bank of China, the central bank, said Wednesday it would issue a set of gold and silver coins on September 16 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The set will comprise three gold coins and two silver ones.

The obverse of the coins features China's national emblem, set in a frieze of peonies, symbols of prosperity in Chinese culture.

The reverse includes various designs including a rocket, a satellite, a high-speed train and the Beijing Olympic Stadium.

Other forms will show designs of an open gate, a bridge or urban construction, with Chinese characters saying: In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1949-2009.

All together 60,700 gold coins will be issued with face values of 10,000 yuan, 2,000 yuan, and 100 yuan.

A total of 106,000 silver coins will be issued with the face values of 300 and 10 yuan.

The coins will be produced by Shenzhen Guobao Mint and Shenyang Mint, and distributed by the China Gold Coin Incorporation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2009)