Beijing commemorative coins circulate in Portugal

Fri, May 9 01:48 PM

Lisbon, May 9 (Xinhua) A total of 487,500 coins of 2.5 euros alluding to Portugal's participation in the Beijing Olympics are circulating at Continente supermarket subsidiaries for the benefit of the national olympic mission.

The coins, made of a copper and nickel alloy, were designed by sculptor Jose Teixeira and presented here Thursday during a ceremony attended by many athletes who will compete in the Olympic Games and two of the former marathon Olympic champions, Carlos Lopes and Rosa Mota.

These coins are the first with 2.5 euros value in all Europe and will be given as change to costumers of the Continente supermarkets throughout the country. Also, National printing house and Portugal's coin house will sell 12,500 identical silver collector's coins for 45 euros each ($69), with case, guarantee certificate and serial number. The Games will be held Aug 8-24.

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