Mascots Vinicius and Tom star on final batch of Rio 2016 commemorative coins
Boxing, Paralympic swimming, athletics, cycling, rowing, beach volleyball and the Olympic torch are also celebrated on nine different designs, five for collectors
Vinicius and Tom ensured that the final coin launch was not an overly serious affair (Rio 2016/Felipe Varanda)
Rio 2016 mascots Vinicius and Tom led the celebrations as the final batch of coins commemorating the Games were launched at the Brazilian Central Bank on Friday (19 February). The colourful duo had good reason to be in high spirits, as they themselves have entered circulation on the R$1 (Brazilian real) coins.
Rio 2016 mascots: enter their world
Olympic mascot Vinicius and Paralympic mascot Tom are celebrated, along with the sports of boxing and Paralympic swimming, in four designs that will each be minted 20 million times.
Check out this video of when Tom and Vinicius visited the Brazilian Mint:
Along with the circulation coins were launched five new coin designs for collectors – four silver and one gold. The silver coins have a value of R$5 (but sell for R$195) and celebrate four sports – running, cycling, rowing and beach volleyball on one side, and continue the theme of paying homage to Brazilian flora, fauna, architecture and music on the other, with images of a Brazilwood tree, a butterfly, Rio’s Municipal Theatre and a samba musician.
The gold coin, whose face-value is R$10 but costs R$1,180, features Christ the Redeemer on one side and the Olympic torch on the reverse.
Check out the first, second and third batches of Rio 2016 commemorative coins
