Special Vladimir Putin Coins Mark Crimea Annexation

Commemorative coins bearing an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin are being minted at a Russian factory to mark the Kremlin's takeover of Crime

Russian President Vladimir Putin's face is on one side of the 1kg (2.2lb) coin while the other shows a map of the Crimean Peninsula

The limited edition of 500 silver coins has been called The Gatherer of Russian Lands - a phrase traditionally associated with Ivan III - better known as Ivan the Great - who significantly expanded Russia's territories during his rule.

The coins haven't been priced yet - some of them may be sold, although they won't be used as currency