KEY POINTS:
They are often associated with cunning and filth - but they are about to be immortalised in a limited number of special, silver coins.
According to the Chinese New Year, which began yesterday, 2008 is the Year of the Rat.
Yesterday marked the first day of the year 4706 in the Chinese calendar and to celebrate the occasion, New Zealand Mint has produced 30,000 Year of the Rat coins.
The coins, which can be bought online for $79, feature an engraving of a rat in relief colour on a blue background with the inscription "Year of the Rat 2008".
On the other side, the coins carry a $2 denomination and an image of Queen Elizabeth II.
Each coin weighs 31.1 grams and is 40.7mm in diameter. The coins are made in New Zealand but issued in the Pitcairn Islands.
New Zealand Mint general manager Mark Sutton said yesterday that throughout Chinese history, the rat had been welcomed as a bringer of material prosperity.
"The rat is considered to be intelligent and cunning and we think that anyone picking up one of these coins will obviously display both those traits."
* For more information go to www.newzealandmint.co.nz
THE RAT
* The Year of the Rat is the first of 12 animal signs in the Chinese zodiac, therefore people born in the Year of the Rat are said to be leaders, pioneers and conquerors.
* Because of this they see themselves as a cut above everybody else. They are active, physically and mentally, and tend to lead busy lives.
* They are best known for their charm and intelligence, which often wins them admiration. However, they sometimes hunger for power and money and their greed can lead them into a destructive trap.
Source: www.holymtn.com/astrology/rat.htm
