Russia released a circulating 5-ruble coin commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the Referendum on the status of Crimea and Sevastopol and Crimea’s reunion with Russia. The obverse side depicts the year of issue, denomination, and plant branches. The reverse side features the Kerch Strait Bridge which connects the Russian mainland to Crimea. A map of the Crimean Peninsula and emerging rays are shown in the background. The 6 grams nickel-plated steel coin has a diameter of 25 millimetres and a mintage limit of 2 million pieces.

By the end of the Ukrainian revolution in 2014, Russia started using its military power in Crimea. From 20th February to 26th March 2014, the Russian Federation annexed the Crimean Peninsula. The region has been divided into the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol since then. This annexation led to controversies as many nations believed that Russia had violated the international law protecting Ukraine. To rebuild the country’s image and to justify its political move, Russia has been issuing several commemorative coins and banknotes revolving around this subject.

Image Courtesy: The Central Bank of Russia