Official launch of the «Sochi 2014» coin programme

On April 15, 2011 the Central Bank of the Russian Federation launched the “Sochi 2014” coin programme and announced the issue of the first series.

The “Sochi 2014” coin programme includes commemorative and bullion coins of precious metals as well as coins of base metals. The latter will be in circulation at their face value and their mintage figures will be rather high.

The coins’ themes and designs reflect not only sports and olympic motifs, but also national features and the uniqueness of the Sochi region.

It is for the first time that the obverse of all the coins depicts the State Coat of Arms of the Russian Federation.

From 2011 to 2013 the Bank of Russia is issuing 4 series of commemorative silver and gold coins. The programme will also include gold and silver bullion coins. It is worth mentioning that for the first time the latter will be performed as rectangles.

A total of 46 designs of both commemorative and bullion coins with overall mintage about 36,7 mln. pieces, will be issued.

Series 1 will include:

4 silver proof commemorative coins in denomination of 3 Roubles “Biathlon”, “Figure skating”, “Alpine skiing” and “Hockey”, a gold proof commemorative coin in denomination of 1000 Roubles “Flora of Sochi” and a commemorative coin of base metals in denomination of 25 Roubles, all issued on April 15 th 2011;

a silver proof commemorative coin in denomination of 100 Roubles “Russian Winter” and two gold proof commemorative coins in denomination of 50 Roubles “Bobsleigh” and “Curling”, all to be issued on September 1 st , 2011.

The launch of the “Sochi 2014” coin programme went off with the participation of the International Olympic Committee officials, as well as those of Sochi Organizing Committee, Goznak and Sberbank of Russia. The representatives of the official distributors on the international market also attended the event.

The coin programme will contribute to the promotion of the olympic values in Russia and abroad.

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15.04.2011 00.00.00