Olympic Bank-note Frenzy

WONG:
Olympic banknote mania swept Hong Kong yesterday when Olympic commemorative ban-knotes were released. Thousands of people finally got hold of the notes after two days of patiently waiting and queuing.

STORY:
Four million of the special-edition Hong Kong 20 dollar Olympic banknotes, went on sale yesterday, the first day of its official release.

The note depicts a Greek pillar on the front and Beijing's Olympic "Bird's Nest" stadium on the other side.

Long queues had begun forming outside the Bank of China head office more than 48 hours before the bank-notes were due to be issued.

But a severe thunderstorm on Monday night drenched thousands causing agitation to the crowds cowering under umbrellas.

The Bank of China was forced to issue banknote purchase vouchers on Monday night to disperse the crowds.
Fresh queues quickly formed again the next morning, with some individuals motivated by the Olympic significance the notes have to add to their numismatic collection.

[Madam Lai, Purchased Bank-note]:
"I won't sell the banknotes definitely. I wouldn't sell it no matter how high the price is. It is really valuable. I wouldn't sell it for even for HK$100,000."

Eighty-year-old Mr Lee said it was worth waiting even under a thunderstorm.

[Mr. Lee, Purchased Bank-notes]:
"It is worth waiting, even for such a long time. It is the first time China has issued Olympics commemorative banknotes. I am happy of course."

The HK $20 banknotes are being sold individually for nearly seven times their face value.