If you are in Kazan for the 2015 FINA World Championships, be sure not to leave without the competition’s commemorative coin. To celebrate the country’s hosting of the XVI FINA Games, the Bank of Russia has issued a limited edition silver coin worth 3 rubles (5 U.S. cents).
Just 5,000 pieces of the unique item have been minted, which sports two sides – one in silver embossing and one printed in color. On the front, the coin displays a two-headed eagle, which is the emblem of the Bank of Russia. There is the inscription Банк России (Bank of Russia) ТРИ РУБЛЯ (three rubles), as well as 2015 Г[од] on the front of the coin.
The back offers a FINA World Championships logo in vibrant color, with the following inscription wrapped around the perimeter of the coin: XVI ЧЕМПИОНАТ МИРА ПО ВОДНЫМ ВИДАМ СПОРТА В г. КАЗАНИ (XVI World Championship for Water Sports in the City of Kazan). The English phrase, “FINA World Championships Kazan, Russia 2015” is also printed on the bottom of this same side of the coin.
According to the Kazan organizers’ announcement, the coin is actual, valid currency that can be used as cash payment throughout the Russian Federation. The full release is available here.