Core Viewpoint - The issuance of the Year of the Horse commemorative banknotes and coins has generated significant demand, leading to a rapid sell-out in official channels and a surge in prices in the secondary market, with some items seeing price increases of up to 6.5 times their face value [1][2][6]. Group 1: Market Demand and Supply - The online reservation for the Year of the Horse commemorative banknotes and coins opened on January 13, 2026, but quickly sold out, with many users experiencing system congestion and failure to complete their reservations [2][3]. - The official channels faced overwhelming demand, with reports of users unable to secure their reservations despite extensive preparation and attempts [2][3]. - The secondary market has seen significant price inflation, with 20 commemorative banknotes originally valued at 400 yuan being listed for prices between 1,000 and 3,000 yuan, reflecting a premium of up to 6.5 times [2][4]. Group 2: Cultural Significance and Design - The Year of the Horse commemorative banknotes and coins are seen as a culmination of the second round of zodiac coins, with cultural elements integrated into their design, enhancing their appeal to collectors [3][4]. - The banknotes feature traditional Chinese cultural motifs, including a horse design and celebratory scenes, which resonate with collectors and the general public [4][5]. Group 3: Market Trends and Analysis - The current market for commemorative banknotes and coins is characterized by a notable disparity, with some years seeing significant price increases while others remain stable or depreciate [5][6]. - Economic analysts suggest that the low entry price point and perceived value of these collectibles contribute to their popularity, alongside a herd mentality driving demand [6].

Core Viewpoint - The release of the 2026 Year of the Horse commemorative coins and banknotes by the People's Bank of China has generated significant public interest, leading to overwhelming demand and rapid sell-out in official channels, while the secondary market has seen prices soar, with premiums reaching up to 6.5 times the face value [1][2][18]. Group 1: Appointment and Demand - The online appointment for the Year of the Horse commemorative coins and banknotes began on January 13, 2026, with each person allowed to reserve one of each type, limited to 20 pieces [2][18]. - Despite a reservation window of over a day, most bank channels sold out almost instantly, causing system congestion and frustration among users [2][18]. - Topics related to the difficulty of securing the commemorative items trended on social media, indicating high public interest and engagement [2][18]. Group 2: Secondary Market Activity - The secondary market for the commemorative coins and banknotes has quickly become active, with significant price premiums observed; for instance, a set of 20 banknotes with a face value of 400 yuan is listed for prices between 1,000 and 3,000 yuan, reflecting a premium of up to 6.5 times [3][19]. - The prices for the commemorative coins have also increased, with listings showing a premium of 40% to 50% over their face value [3][19]. Group 3: Cultural Significance and Design - The commemorative coins and banknotes incorporate rich cultural elements, with the banknotes featuring a horse design and traditional motifs, which resonate with collectors and the general public [7][23]. - The Year of the Horse items are seen as a culmination of the second round of zodiac coins, enhancing their appeal due to their limited availability and cultural significance [7][29]. Group 4: Market Trends and Analysis - Economic analysts suggest that the current enthusiasm for the Year of the Horse commemorative items may surpass previous years due to lower price points compared to gold, the perceived collectible value, and a strong herd mentality among consumers [15][31]. - Historical data indicates that previous zodiac commemorative items have also experienced significant price increases shortly after release, suggesting a trend that may continue with the current offerings [29][31].