Description of the 200 złoty gold coin Polish Olympic Team Rio de Janeiro 2016
The gold coin with a face value of PLN 200 was issued by the National Bank of Poland to commemorate the XXXI Summer Olympic Games, which took place in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. It is part of the official numismatic issue commemorating the participation of Polish athletes in this prestigious international sporting event. The Rio Games were the first to be held in South America and brought together competitors from around the world, competing in dozens of disciplines. The Polish team, traditionally strong in athletics, water sports, and wrestling, also took part, winning medals and promoting the country's sporting achievements. The coin is minted from high-purity gold and is dedicated to collectors and sports enthusiasts, while also serving as a lasting memento of Poland's participation in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Appearance of the 200 złoty gold coin Polish Olympic Team Rio de Janeiro 2016
The issue features an elegant and carefully crafted graphic design that combines Olympic symbolism with national motifs. The reverse features a female athlete riding a mountain bike. The figure is surrounded by decorative elements referring to the fauna and flora of Brazil. The graphic design is complemented by the logo of the Polish Olympic Committee and the inscription POLSKA REPREZENTACJA OLIMPIJSKA RIO 2016 (Polish Olympic Team Rio 2016). The obverse of the coin, in accordance with legal requirements, features the emblem of the Republic of Poland on a separate irregular surface. Above the eagle is a stylized constellation of stars referring to the Brazilian flag, the denomination, and the date of issue. The entire composition has been made with great attention to detail, and the use of the highest quality gold gives the coin a prestigious and collectible character.
Historical overview
The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro were a unique event in the history of world sport. For the first time, the Olympic Games were held in South America, which had not only symbolic but also cultural significance – Brazil became the host of one of the most important sporting events in the world, showcasing its achievements and diversity. The XXXI Summer Olympic Games took place from August 5 to 21, 2016, bringing together over 11,000 athletes from more than 200 countries, competing in 28 sports.
For Poland, this was a continuation of a long and rich Olympic tradition – Polish athletes have been participating in the Games continuously since 1924, winning numerous medals and achieving high rankings. In Rio de Janeiro, the Polish team consisted of 243 male and female athletes competing in 23 disciplines. Poles won a total of 11 medals – 2 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze – achieving success in athletics, rowing, cycling, and wrestling, among others. The Rio Games went down in history as further confirmation of the strength and fighting spirit of Polish athletes and their contribution to the development of the Olympic idea.
The coin was issued by the National Bank of Poland (NBP), which is responsible for issuing currency in Poland. The NBP regularly puts into circulation both circulation coins and collector and commemorative coins commemorating important events, anniversaries, and historical figures.