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Design Themes of the Coin Program
(Click on a coin to see larger image)
There are a total of 18 coins in the complete Beijing 2008 Olympics Coin Program,
six in gold and twelve in silver.
Common Reverse Design |
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The common obverse design for the gold coin features the traditional paired "Chinese dragon" image, the emblem of the Games of XXIX Olympiad, the name of the country and the year 2008.
The reverse designs for the gold coins features athletic sports. The main figures in the designs derive from ancient Chinese traditional sports, including equestrian, archery, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, and cuju (football games). This figure design is matched with the XXIX Olympiad sports pictogram.
Series I |
Series II |
Series III |
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Wa-Dang (Tile-Ends) |
All the elements are embedded in the design presented in the form of traditional Chinese "Wa Dang" style. The edge of the coin and the edge of the "Wa Dang" design are perfectly overlapped, thus displaying a vivid combination of images. The reverse designs depict the true Chinese style, which represents the longtime sports history in Chinese culture, and conveys the unique Chinese culture.
The image on the reverse of the silver coins is distinctively different for each series of the collection. The silver coins, highlighted partially in color, express a swift and lively tone throughout the collection, and all 12 silver coins are 1 ounce of pure silver.
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Series I features children's sports games, which depict the lively and lovely children playing four typical Chinese sports games: "Kite Flying", "Goat Jumping", "Hoop Rolling" and "Shuttlecock Kicking". The game designs with the children's charming expressions display an essence of gracefulness, dynamics and prosperity. The right side of the coin, about 1/3 of the area, is divided by the "Chinese Knot" decoration, with color images depicting favorite handicraft toys: "paper pinwheel", "clay rabbit figurine", "paired fish hanging ornament" and "cloth tiger figurine". Watch the official series I video!
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Series II features famous Chinese landmarks located around the host city, Beijing. The four design images include: The Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, the Tibetan Tower of Beihai Park, and finally an image of a traditional courtyard dwelling in Beijing. These images are all closely associated with China and will undoubtedly be images seen and represented during the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The left side of the coin, about 1/3 of the area, is divided by the "Chinese traditional Ruyi" decoration, with colored designs on Chinese traditional pottery, glaze, lacquer ware, and blue/white porcelain. Watch the official series II video!
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Series III of the silver coins focuses on the rich and vibrant Chinese culture. The four coins in this series will feature: traditional Chinese Peking Opera, Yangge (a popular rural folk dance), lion dances, and "Big Bowl Tea". Watch the official series III video!
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The designs for the Precious Metal Commemorative Coins for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games aims to connote the theme of the Olympic Games; meanwhile, the designs take the form of images derived from Chinese history, folklore, culture and national heritage, reflecting the jubilant feelings of retrospect, joy, enthusiasm and expectation cherished by the Chinese people after the successful bid for the Olympic Games.
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Ancient Wa Dang integrates painting, relief, arts, handicrafts and calligraphy, which together becomes a distinctive art in the ancient Chinese art treasury. It has a long lasting artistic charm and has become an important form of expression in modern design of arts and handicrafts due to its unique art form and decoration technique.
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