Obamas send their greetings

US President Barack Obama probably gets many gifts but one New Zealand company wonders if it’s unique in receiving a personal thank you note.

Late last year Auckland-based New Zealand Mint sent the American president a Flags of America Commemorative Coin set.

The company was surprised and delighted when the president replied in March in a letter personally signed not only by Obama but also the first lady.

“We would like to extend our deepest thanks for your kind gift,” the first couple wrote. “Your thoughtfulness and generosity are much appreciated.

It went on: “As our world grows increasingly inter-dependent, we look forward to working together to the benefit of our two nations and to strengthening the bonds between our people.

“Thank you again for your wonderful gift. We wish you all the best.” The letter was personally signed by Barack and Michelle Obama.

New Zealand Mint Vice President - USA Operations, Chris Kirkness says the company’s staff were both delighted and surprised to receive the president’s thanks.

“We’re not deluding ourselves into thinking he personally writes every letter but we’re taking it as a compliment that the correspondence is personally signed by the couple.

“It’s a great gesture and the sentiments expressed about strengthening the bonds between the two countries reflect the thoughts of New Zealand Mint in sending the set in the first place,” Mr Kirkness says.

The Flags of America Commemorative Coin Set features three coins with an engraved background of the Statue of Liberty and high quality illustrations of historical United States flags produced in high quality colour.

Engraved at each coin’s base are facts about the history of the flags. The coins are displayed in a white wooden case and represent the Grand Union Flag, the Betsy Ross Flag and the 50 Star Flag.

The coins have a nominal value of US$1 and were produced by New Zealand Mint in celebration on 10 July 2010 of the 50th anniversary of the redesign of the US flag.

The coin set is available for purchase on the New Zealand Mint website: http://www.nzmint.com/coins/shop-online/flags-america-commemorative-coin-set