Last year New Zealand Mint sent President Obama a Flags of America commemorative coin set, retailing for $NZ234.00

They didn't expect much, but in March the company was delighted to receive a letter signed by the president and the First Lady, which carried the presidential  couple's "deepest thanks" for the gift. 

"Your thoughtfulness and generosity are much appreciated.  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."

The letter finished with thanks, and best wishes.

The commemorative set consists of three coins made of copper and zinc with an engraved background of the Statue of Liberty and a different historical American flag in coloud on each.  At the bottom of the coins, the history of the flag is engraved.  The Grand Union flag, Betsy Ross flat and the 50 Star flag are featured.

New Zealand Mint Vice President - USA Operations Chris Kirkness said the sentiments expressing a wish for closer bonds between countries reflected the reasons the company sent the set in the first place.

The company was pleased and delighted, he said.

"We're 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."

The coins have a nominal value of $US1 and the set was made to celebrate that 50th anniversary of the redesigning of the US flag, on 10 July 2010.