Summer Olympic Coins (2000-present)

In 1951, the government of Finland authorized the striking of the first modern Olympic coin, a 500 Markka. At first, the coins circulated as currency in the issuing country and the mintages were high. In borrowing from the traditions of ancient Greece, the coins were a memento of the 1951 Games, and a coin that numismatists could now add to their collection. With the exception of Canada’s Lucky Loonie program and its 2007 25-cent pieces to commemorate the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, it is rare that Olympic coins are minted for circulation. Traditionally, Olympic coins are numismatic coins. [ Coins of the Modern Olympic Games, Volume 1, Michele Menard, page 8, ISBN 1-895321-00-X ] . However several host countries minted so many coins particularly silver that their value has become just slightly above the value of their metal content. Coins for the 1976 Montreal, 1984 Los Angeles, and 1988 Seoul are generally considered to fall into that category.

*"Please see Modern Olympic Coins for Olympic coins from 1952-1996.
*"Please see Modern Winter Olympic coins for winter games coins.

ummer Games

[ [http://www.chinagoldcoin.net/english/Olympiccoins/Olympiccoins/Foreigncoin/page10.htm Chinagoldcoin.net ] ]

$5 Silver Proof Coin Collection

* The silver coins depict the wider role of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games as a symbol of peace and cultural harmony, and the uniqueness of Australia's environment. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Silver Coin Collection consists of 16 proof quality coins that have been released two at a time between October 1997 and February 2000.

* One coin in each release reflects the coming together of peoples and ideas in our culturally diverse nation, as expressed in the four great festivals being celebrated in Sydney leading up to the Olympic Games. The other coin highlights the environmental richness of the Australian continent. Each coin bears the mintmark of the Mint producing the coin.

* The 2000 Olympic Silver set comprises sixteen coins struck in 99.9% pure silver. These coins were designed to represent both Australia's cultural history and environment. The silver set is available in the complete set of sixteen coins, or individually.

Specifications

Olymphilex Uncirculated Dollar

The Royal Australian Mint released this coin in commemoration of the Olymphilex exhibition held in Sydney whilst the 2000 Olympic Games were on. The Coin has edged lettering with the word Sydney displayed on it. The coin is available with Canberra and Sydney edged on the coin.

Paralympic Games Victory Silver Dollar Coin

This Sydney 2000 Paralympic Commemorative coin released by the Royal Australian Mint depicts the medals which were awarded to the winning Paralympians. The coin displays the Paralympic logo and is struck strictly to demand from orders placed before the closing of the Paralympic games. These releases were the IOC's first Victory Medals on legal tender.

Paralympic Games Victory 10oz Silver Proof Coin

The 10oz coin symbolizes Paralympic remembrance, featuring the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as its centrepiece. This coin is struck from 99.9% fine silver in proof quality and is presented in a teak timber case together with a certificate of authenticity. The coin had a mintage of 3,000. .

Paralympic Games Gold, Silver and Bronze Coins

Gold, Silver and Bronze coins were released to commemorate the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. The Silver and Bronze coins are legal tender and have a face value of $5.

2004 Athens Olympics

*2 Euro base metal circulating coin
*10 Euro Silver
*100 Euro Gold
*12 Coin Silver Set
*6 Coin Gold Set
*6 Coin Set (4 Silver, 2 Gold)

150 Yuan

100,000 Yuan

2007

* Four Proof 1-ounce .999 silver 10-yuan coins (to be determined)
* Two Proof third-ounce .9999 fine gold 150-yuan coins (to be determined)
* Five ounce Gold Coin
* One kilogram Silver Coin

* Two circulation coins (to be determined) [ "USOC selects distributors for Beijing Games coinage", Jeff Starek, Coin World, June 25, 2007, p. 110 ]

2008

* Five ounce Gold Coin
* One kilogram Silver Coin
* Two circulation coins (to be determined) [ "USOC selects distributors for Beijing Games coinage", Jeff Starek, Coin World, June 25, 2007, p. 110 ]

Euro coins

Several countries in the eurozone are minting high value euro collectors' coin celebrating this occasion, like the recent 2008 Olympic Games commemorative coin, minted in June 2008. The obverse carries on the right side a symbol of the Belgian Olympic Committee, in the center an analog of the Olympic flambeau, which will constantly burn during the Olympic Games, and on the left side symbols of the Olympic disciplines: cycling, hockey, athletics and tennis can be seen.

References