SINGAPORE: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched the 2009 Year of the Ox Almanac Coins set.

The coins are part of a series designed by Xu Yunfei, a designer from the Shanghai Mint.

This year's design features the Chinese seal characters "heavenly stems and earthly branches", and a peony to reflect festive cheer.

Orders must be placed by December 23 and the coins will be issued on January 3.

The Singapore Mint is also holding a contest for the biggest ox family - the family with the largest number of members born in the year of the ox will win.

- CNA/yt