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New coins to be issued in Russia after the London Olympics - Putin

According to Putin, the decision to issue such coins is not linked to the victories of Russian judo players at the London Olympics

LONDON, August 3 (Itar-Tass) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said prior to his departure from London on Thursday that the Russian Central Bank would issue special coins with the names of Russian champions and medal winners of the London Olympic Games.

“I’ve talked to the Central Bank chairman Sergei Ignatyev today. We agreed coins with a nominal value of one ruble with the names of Olympic champions and medal winners will be issued after the Olympic Games,” Putin said.

“The names of the champions will be on the golden coins and the names of silver and bronze medal holders will be on silver and bronze coins, respectively, with a nominal value of 1 ruble,” Putin clarified.

“Britain issues stamps with the names of Olympic champions and medal holders and we will issue coins,” the Russian president said. Asked what would be the real value of these coins, Putin said briefly, “Market should decide.”

According to Putin, the decision to issue such coins is not linked to the victories of Russian judo players at the London Olympics. Russian judoist Tagir Khaibulayev on Thursday won a third gold medal for Russia.

“The Russian national squad hasn’t picked up steam yet but experts hope that victories will come,” Putin said.