OREANDA-NEWS. December 17, 2013. As China's "Chang'e-3" lunar probe was about to blast off, ICBC launched a "Lunar Probe" precious metal product at a ceremony held in collaboration with Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, Chang'e Lunar Probe Aerospace Technology (Beijing) Company Limited and Beijng Rui Kun Fu Xi Cultural Development Co., Ltd.

It represents the first attempt by ICBC to combine with China’s moon probe project, and the first precious metal product in China launched by a bank under the theme of lunar exploration. ICBC has the exclusive right to use China lunar exploration to name  precious metal products.

China’s first line of "Lunar Probe" Precious Metals includes gold sculpture and gold/silver commemorative medals, among which the gold sculpture named Chang'e Flying to the Moon, is made of 99.9% fine gold, coded by ICBC, and available to global buyers with limited volume. It represents the first gold sculpture product in China combining "gold, lunar exploration and sculptural artwork", and so far the only "Lunar Exploration" gold product in the world. It has three specifications: 29 sculptures in 2000 grams, 99 sculptures in 1000 grams and 999 sculptures in 500 grams.

The prototype of Chang'e Flying to the Moon gold sculpture is a masterpiece by Yuan Xikun, the Standing Committee Member of the CPPCC National Committee, international sculptor, Honorary President of China Association of Collectors, and Special Artist for China Lunar Exploration Project. It took Yuan Xikun six months to complete the sculpture, a rare work of high artistic and appreciation value. That gold sculpture has found its home and become an icon in Aerospace Town. Many of his sculptural artworks have been presented as diplomatic gifts to foreign leaders. Each Chang'e Flying to the Moon gold sculpture with a certificate signed by Yuan Xikun is of high collection value.

The Chang’e Flying to the Moon gold sculpture is inlaid with the debris of rocket carrying satellite Chang’e, the only material China now can take back as a physical reminder of its lunar exploration as well as an important testimony to China's space exploration for the promotion of peace and development to the mankind. Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center only authorized 35 debris for development. Every piece taken from the debris of the rocket has been tailored for the gold sculpture and notarized by National Notary Office.

The launch of "Lunar Exploration" precious metals shows ICBC’s close attention to the development of China's large projects and represents an attempt by the bank to promote "China Dream" and "Space Dream". Each Lunar Exploration" precious metal product has a small card with general knowledge on space technology. ICBC aims to leverage this initiative to publicize the achievements of China's space program, space science and technology, and draw public support to China's lunar exploration program. The income from the sale will be partially used as awards for lunar exploration projects and public education on science and technology.