The Peoples Bank of China has issued 12 commemorative coins for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, which take place 4-20 February.
They include a set of 10 coins – four gold and six silver – as well as a set of two copper alloy coins, ranging in value from 10,000 to 5 yuan. All are legal tender.
According to China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPM), who produced the coins, the environment is one of the core concepts of these Olympics, with the design and manufacture of the coins focusing on the Olympic concept of ‘green, sharing, openness and integrity’.
All coins feature the official emblem of the 24th Winter Olympics on the front, together with images of the Great Wall of China and snowflakes. In addition, the coins feature a representation in the foreground of the national speed skating hall – known as the ‘Ice Ribbon’ – which is a landmark venue of the Games.
The reverse of the gold and silver coins is inscribed with different mascots of the Olympics and various ice and snow sports. The reverse of the copper alloy coins include images of the Great Wall and snow-capped mountains, along with images of a short- track speed skater and an alpine skier respectively. Selective colour has been applied to several of the designs in shades of blue, green and pink.
A set of two commemorative coins – one gold and one silver – has also been issued for the Paralympic Winter Games, which take place 4-13 March.
Both coins feature the official emblem of the Winter Paralympics on the front, with images of the Great Wall and snowflakes.
The refined gold coin has a denomination value of 80 yuan. Its reverse side is inscribed with the Games’ mascot (a panda named Bing Dwen Dwen wearing a full-body shell made out of ice).
In a unique rectangular form, the refined silver coin has a denomination value of 5 yuan. It features signs representing the six sports at the Paralympics, namely alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, para ice hockey and wheelchair curling. In addition, it has ‘Beijing 2022’ written in braille.
