Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 1 Real 2016, KM# 726, Brazil, Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, Olympic Mascot
  • 1 Real 2016, KM# 726, Brazil, Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, Olympic Mascot
Description

Commemorative coins have been an Olympic tradition since the ancient Games, formally organized as collectors’ items starting with the Helsinki 1952 Games. The Rio 2016 Games marked the first time Brazil issued a commemorative coin collection for the Olympics.

To celebrate the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Brazilian Central Bank created 36 commemorative coins. This collection includes sixteen R$1 coins for regular circulation, along with four gold and sixteen silver coins.

Obverse

Depicts Vinicius, the Olympic Mascot, and the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics logo, the country name below.

The Rio 2016 Olympic mascot, Vinicius, pays homage to the musician Vinicius de Moraes and embodies various Brazilian animals' traits. With the agility of cats, the sway of monkeys, and the grace of birds, Vinicius can extend his limbs limitlessly, enhancing his jumping, running, and strength. Possessing keen senses of smell and hearing, he's adept at finding lively fans and enjoys participating in all Olympic sports.

Marcus Vinicius da Cruz e Mello Moraes, known as Vinicius de Moraes or "O Poetinha" (The little poet), was a Brazilian poet, lyricist, essayist, and playwright, renowned for his contributions to modern Brazilian music. He penned lyrics for numerous classic Brazilian songs, including "Garota de Ipanema" ("The Girl from Ipanema"), and co-created the play "Orfeu da Conceição" (known in English as "Black Orpheus").

BRASIL
RIO 2016

Reverse

Numerical denomination and date surrounded by geometric patterns and Southern Cross.

Crux is a constellation located in the southern sky in a bright portion of the Milky Way, and is the smallest but one of the most distinctive of the 88 modern constellations. Its name is Latin for cross, and it is dominated by a cross-shaped or kite-like asterism that is commonly known as the Southern Cross.

1
REAL
2016

Edge

1 Real

KM# 726 Schön# 231
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Bronze Plated Steel
Center Stainless Steel
Weight 7 g
Diameter 27 mm
Thickness 1.95 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Casa da Moeda do Brasil (CMB)

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