Collector’s Note
Brazil has injected a uniquely vibrant energy into the global rugby family, driven largely by the explosive growth of the Sevens format. Catalyzed by the historic return of the sport at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the trailblazing, dominant success of their women’s national team, the Yaras, Brazil highlights the game’s dynamic expansion across South America and its embrace by diverse, deeply passionate sporting cultures.
About this Coin
The vibrant obverse highlights the sport’s dynamic energy, featuring two rugby players in the middle of action—one diving for a tackle while the other evades—set beneath the official Rio 2016 Olympic logo. The reverse features Brazil’s standard 1 Real design, displaying the denomination, stylized national elements, and the year “2015”.
“This striking design celebrates a monumental sporting milestone: the historic reintroduction of rugby to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1924.”
A Unique Presentation
Measuring 27 mm in diameter and weighing 7 grams, this coin features a unique bi-metallic composition with a stainless steel center and a bronze-plated steel ring, finished with a segmented reeding edge. To accommodate different audiences, it was released in two variants: a regular issue that entered everyday circulation as legal tender, and special collector packaging mounted in folders by the Central Bank of Brazil.
A Landmark Issue
With a staggering, confirmed mintage of exactly 20,016,000 coins, this is by far the highest-minted rugby coin globally. Because it was produced in such vast quantities—over 20 million pieces—it remains the most widely available Olympic rugby commemorative coin ever produced, allowing fans worldwide to own a piece of history.
