TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Reports surfaced on Tuesday (Nov. 26) that Taiwan's Central Bank (央行) is contemplating the issuance of a commemorative coin to honor the national baseball team's victory at the WBSC Premier12 tournament. This consideration follows a legislator's disclosure of President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) intention to redesign the NT$500 bill.
Given the impracticality of a complete redesign and logistical challenges of the NT$500 bill, currently featuring images of Little League baseball players, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislators recommended the central bank issue a commemorative coin instead. Sources revealed that after discussions with legislators, the central bank plans to release a coin similar to the zodiac commemorative sets, celebrating the team's victory.
The central bank has allocated over NT$41 billion in the 2025 central government budget for currency renewal, but the issuance plan covers only 45% of the total needed. Historical data suggests a full redesign and issuance would require at least NT$50 billion. With the Legislative Yuan's Finance Committee having completed its review and sent the budget for negotiation, the central bank would need additional funds to proceed with a full currency overhaul.