Recent online buzz and social media chatter have suggested that the Portuguese central bank is releasing a special edition Euro coin to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo. However, for fans hoping to add this unique piece to their collection, the Banco de Portugal has officially refuted these claims, clarifying that no such coin has been issued or is planned.
In a public statement, the Banco de Portugal firmly denied the circulating rumors of a “Ronaldo Euro Coin”. They emphasized that the authority to approve and produce commemorative and collector coins rests solely with the Portuguese Mint and Official Printing Office, who have also publicly debunked the notion of a Ronaldo coin. This official denial comes as online reports and social media posts detailing the supposed coin gained significant traction, misleading enthusiasts and the general public alike.
The false claims described a €7 coin, with a limited run of 25,000 units, supposedly priced at €7.50 each. Adding fuel to the fire, some online sources even speculated that due to its perceived rarity, gold content (which is also false), and Ronaldo’s global fame, this coin could eventually reach a staggering value of €144,000. Accompanying these claims were images of the alleged coin, widely shared across social media platforms and online articles.
AI-generated image of a fake Ronaldo Euro coin circulating online.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the circulated images are not authentic. These images are, in fact, AI-generated, a fact easily discernible by their lack of intricate detail typical of genuine coinage and the nonsensical characters often seen around the edges of AI-created visuals. For those seeking verification, a visit to the official websites of both the Banco de Portugal and the Portuguese Mint provides a clear picture of all official commemorative and collector coins issued in the past year. These official lists include coins honoring the Portuguese Olympic team, the Skating Federation, and Portugal’s participation in the Euro 2024 championship. Conspicuously absent from any official listings is any mention of a “ronaldo euro coin”.
This isn’t the first time such rumors have surfaced. Similar false claims regarding a CR7 coin circulated as far back as September, following Ronaldo’s 900th career goal. Fact-checking organizations were quick to debunk those claims at the time, highlighting the recurring nature of this misinformation.
While a dedicated “ronaldo euro coin” remains a fabrication, it’s undeniable that Portugal has, in reality, honored Cristiano Ronaldo in numerous significant ways. As one of the nation’s most celebrated figures, Ronaldo has been recognized with the renaming of Madeira Airport in his honor and through statues erected across his home island. Portugal also has a history of issuing commemorative coins for notable figures, such as the €5 coin released last year celebrating the 16th-century poet Luís de Camões.
Despite his immense fame and achievements, a “ronaldo euro coin” remains, for now, only a figment of online imagination, fueled by AI-generated imagery and wishful thinking. The Banco de Portugal’s firm denial serves as a crucial reminder to verify information from official sources before believing viral online claims, especially those involving commemorative currency.
