Rio de Janeiro, Nov 29 (IANS): Brazil's central bank has released its first batch of commemorative coins for the Rio 2016 Olympics, the Games organisers said.

The collection includes one gold, four silver and four coins for general circulation, according to the Rio 2016 website, reported Xinhua.

"The coins have been a part of the Games since Helsinki 1952 and it's a great honor to launch the first Rio 2016 coins in partnership with the Brazilian Central Bank," said 2016 Rio president Carlos Nuzman.

"Every Brazilian will have the chance to have a small part of the Games, and of their own country, in their hands."

A total of 36 coins will be launched by 2016 to celebrate the first Olympic Games in South America.

The first gold coin features a statue of Christ on one side and a homage to the 100m sprint on the reverse.

The silver coins shows iconic Rio landmarks and athletes competing in Olympic sports.

The next batch of coins is due to be released in the first half of 2015.