Preparation for the main Russia’s event of 2014 is in full swing. In the run-up to its beginning, the Winter Olympics in Sochi hit a lot of records; however, most of them are doubtful. Nevertheless, there is good news for numismatists. The central bank issued three types of commemorative coins. Thus, organizers developed the design of coins for the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games which will be held in Sochi in 2014. The coins of twenty-five rubles are made in three different designs each issued in 10 million examples. A part of the coins features the official emblem of the XXII Winter Olympics on the background of the Caucasus Mountains. The second version contains images of animals, including Bely Mishka (Polar Bear), Snow Leopard, Zaya the Doe Hare, which are the mascots of the XXII Games. The Fire Boy and Snowflake are the mascots of the Winter Paralympic Games in 2014. The heads of all the commemorative coins are the same featuring the state symbol of Russia, denomination of 25 rubles, and the year of issue. All coins were minted by St Petersburg Mint, a trademark of which is depicted on the obverse. “The coins are legal tender cash payment in the Russian Federation and must be accepted at face value in all kinds of payments without any restrictions”, the Bank of Russia official website reads. It is worth mentioning that Russia’s central bank has already announced the successful introduction of 20 million 100-ruble commemorative notes into circulation. The banknote is designed in a completely new style having vertical composition and blue color. The Olympic Organizing Committee said that Sochi Olympics 100-ruble note became the first banknote in the history of the Winter Olympic Games.
