CIBC is the only bank in Canada providing special, festive coins for the Lunar New Year

TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Looking for gift ideas for the Lunar New Year? CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) has five special, limited edition Year of the Monkey collector coins to help you wish good luck, prosperity and happiness to family or friends in the coming year.

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, is a seven-day festival celebrated by those of Chinese descent and by many others across the world. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, which begins on Feb. 8.  People born in a Year of the Monkey are said to be witty, intelligent and mischievous.

"The celebration of the Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday in Chinese culture and CIBC is proud to celebrate alongside millions of Canadians by marking the Year of the Monkey with our special commemorative coins," says Steve Ho, Vice-President, Retail Banking, CIBC. "On behalf of the CIBC Team, we wish everyone a very happy Chinese New Year."

CIBC is the only bank distributing Chinese New Year coins in Canada from the Royal Canadian Mint and the New Zealand Mint. They include: three 1 ounce fine silver coins, one ½ ounce fine silver coin, and one 18-karat pure gold coin, all of which display the monkey showcasing its many personality traits. Customers may order the coins online or at any CIBC branch for pick-up or home delivery.

Four of the coins, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, include:

• ½ oz Fine Silver Coin - Year of the Monkey
  • This fine silver coin captures the monkey's charismatic personality, a trait for which it is most commonly associated. 
  • Face value: $10
  • Artists: Simon Ng (reverse) and Susanna Blunt (obverse)
  • Retail price: $39.88
  • Worldwide Mintage: 15,888

• 1 oz Fine Silver Coin - Year of the Monkey
  • This fine silver coin shows the monkey's playful attitude. The monkey is highly social – often seen as the ultimate inventor, motivator and schemer. 
  • Face value: $15
  • Artists: Aries Cheung (reverse) and Susanna Blunt (obverse)
  • Worldwide Mintage: 18,888
  • Retail price: $98.88

• 1 oz Fine Silver Lunar Lotus Coin - Year of the Monkey
  • Those born in the year of the monkey are said to be highly intelligent and prosperous individuals. This uniquely shaped fine silver coin depicts the monkey's magnetic personality.
  • Face value: $15
  • Artists: Three Degrees Creative Group (reverse) and Susanna Blunt (obverse)
  • Retail price: $98.88
  • Worldwide Mintage: 18,888

• 18-Karat Gold Coin - Year of the Monkey
  • According to Chinese zodiac, gold is said to be a lucky colour for those born in a year of the monkey. This pure gold coin depicts the always sociable monkey,  often seen 'swinging' from one group of friends to another, attracting a social following due to their charm and energy.
  • Face Value: $150
  • Artists: Aries Cheung (reverse) and Susanna Blunt (obverse)
  • Retail price: $688.88
  • Worldwide Mintage: 2,500

The coin below is produced by the New Zealand Mint:

• 1 oz Fine Silver Coin - Year of the Monkey
  • This engraved  fine silver coin shows off the monkey's positive sense of humour and enchanting personality.
  • Face Value: $2
  • Retail price: $98.88
  • Worldwide Mintage: 10,000

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Capital Markets - CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC on our corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.

SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Image with caption: "This 18-karat pure gold Year of the Monkey coin from the Royal Canadian Mint depicts the always sociable monkey. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160202_C1867_PHOTO_EN_610682.jpg

Image with caption: "Year of the Monkey (Royal Canadian Mint) -– This uniquely shaped 1 oz. fine silver lunar lotus coin depicts the monkey’'s magnetism. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160202_C1867_PHOTO_EN_610687.jpg

Image with caption: "Year of the Monkey (Royal Canadian Mint) -– 1 oz. fine silver coin captures the playful demeanor of the monkey. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160202_C1867_PHOTO_EN_610691.jpg

Image with caption: "Year of the Monkey (New Zealand Mint) –- This engraved 1 oz. fine silver coin shows off the monkey’'s positive attitude. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160202_C1867_PHOTO_EN_610689.jpg

Image with caption: "Year of the Monkey (Royal Canadian Mint) -- ½ oz. fine silver coin depicts the monkey’'s charismatic personality. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160202_C1867_PHOTO_EN_610685.jpg