Macau Lunar New Year Banknote Collection: 2026 Market Prices for All Years, Condition Requirements, and | Gu Jin Jian Bao
Macau Zodiac Banknotes began issuing in the Year of the Rat in 2008, accumulating 18 years by 2026. In the resale market, there's a significant value gap between "complete sets" and "individual years"—the total price of a complete set (including the Bank of China Macau Branch + Banco Nacional Ultramarino versions) is usually 30-50% higher than selling individual years. Below are the latest resale market trends and practical tips for each year in 2026.
Basic Information on Macau Zodiac Banknotes
Each year's Macau Zodiac Banknote consists of a "pair"—one issued by the Bank of China Macau Branch and one by Banco Nacional Ultramarino, both with a face value of 10 Macanese Patacas. A pair of two notes is considered complete.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Issuing Institutions | Bank of China Macau Branch + Banco Nacional Ultramarino |
| Face Value | 10 Macanese Patacas |
| Format | Two paired notes each year |
| First Issued Year | 2008 (Year of the Rat) |
| Issued to Date | 18 years (2008-2025) |
| Annual Issuance Volume | Approx. 15 million notes (7-8 million per bank) |
2026 Reference Resale Prices for Each Year
The following prices are based on UNC condition (uncirculated, no folds) for a pair of banknotes (two notes):
| Year | Zodiac Animal | Reference Price per UNC Pair (HK$) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Rat | 800-1,200 | First issued year, highest premium |
| 2009 | Ox | 300-500 | |
| 2010 | Tiger | 250-400 | |
| 2011 | Rabbit | 200-350 | |
| 2012 | Dragon | 500-800 | Significant premium for Dragon year |
| 2013 | Snake | 180-300 | |
| 2014 | Horse | 200-350 | |
| 2015 | Goat | 180-280 | |
| 2016 | Monkey | 250-400 | Monkey year is more popular |
| 2017 | Rooster | 150-250 | |
| 2018 | Dog | 150-250 | |
| 2019 | Pig | 150-250 | |
| 2020 | Rat (2nd Cycle) | 150-250 | Beginning of the second cycle |
| 2021 | Ox | 130-200 | |
| 2022 | Tiger | 130-200 | |
| 2023 | Rabbit | 120-180 | |
| 2024 | Dragon | 200-350 | Dragon year effect |
| 2025 | Snake | 100-150 | Latest issue |
Premium Logic for Complete Sets
The market price for a complete set of 18 years (36 notes) is approximately HK$6,000-12,000, while the sum of selling individual pairs is about HK$4,000-7,000—a complete set commands a premium of 30-50%. Reasons for the premium:
Scarcity of Completeness—Not many collectors manage to acquire a complete set of 18 years of paired notes, especially the first issue of the Year of the Rat in 2008, which is now difficult to find in UNC condition.
Display and Gifting Value—A complete set framed or in an album has a much better visual appeal than individual notes, and also presents much better as a gift.
Institutional Demand—Some coin dealers and gift companies purchase complete sets in bulk, driving up demand.
Impact of Condition on Resale Price
The resale price of zodiac banknotes is extremely sensitive to condition:
| Condition | Description | Relative to UNC Price |
|---|---|---|
| UNC (Uncirculated) | Brand new, no folds, no handling marks | 100% |
| AU (About Uncirculated) | Very slight handling marks, no obvious folds | 70-80% |
| XF (Extremely Fine) | 1-2 light folds | 40-60% |
| VF or below | Obvious folds, stains | 20-30% |
A pair of Dragon Zodiac Banknotes in UNC condition might fetch HK$500-800, but if they have obvious folds (VF), they might only be worth HK$150-200. Therefore, preservation methods directly determine the actual amount received when selling.
Comparison of Resale Channels
Professional Numismatic Dealers—Appraise each pair based on year and condition, offering the most reasonable prices, suitable for selling complete sets or in bulk. Gujin Appraisal offers free appraisals and same-day doorstep collection.
Online Auctions (e.g., eBay, Yahoo Auctions)—Prices may be higher but fees are 10-15%, and transaction times are uncertain.
Coin Shows—Several coin shows are held annually in Hong Kong, allowing direct transactions with buyers, but require booth rental.
Social Media Groups—Coin collecting groups on Facebook and WeChat have trading activities, but risks are higher (lack of protection).
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