The Royal Canadian Mint has launched the third and final issue of the world’s first series of bullion coins honouring the spirit of the Olympic Games. The Mint’s Ottawa facility will produce up to 50,000 gold coins for the 2010 issue and the silver version will be produced on demand.

“The Royal Canadian Mint is very proud to produce gold and silver bullion coins which stand out from the competition and capture the attention of the marketplace,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The Mint has been delighted by investor and collector response to the first two issues of its Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Gold and Silver Maple Leaf bullion coins and is looking forward to a repeat success as its newest Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games bullion coins are launched with only months remaining before the excitement of the 2010 Winter Games.”

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin is made of one ounce of 99.99% pure gold and bears a $50 face value. Bearing a $5 face value, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Silver Maple Leaf bullion coin is struck from one ounce of 99.99% pure silver. The reverse of the coins features an ice hockey player in full stride, flanked by two maple leaves. The design is the product of collaboration between the Mint’s Bullion and Refinery and Engraving teams. Both coins are now available through the Mint’s extensive network of bullion dealers. (more…)

Poppy coin bookmark to benefit the Royal Canadian Legion’s Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund

On the eve of Remembrance Day commemorations and the 90 th anniversary of the Armistice, the Royal Canadian Mint, in association with the Royal Canadian Legion, is proud to issue its latest coloured circulation coin which features the iconic red poppy, Canada’s flower of remembrance.

The Mint will produce up to 11 million 25-cent coloured poppy coins, which will enter into circulation beginning today and will be distributed exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix locations from coast to coast. Canadians are also encouraged to look for this special coin in their change.

“Through this unique circulation coin, the Royal Canadian Mint is keeping alive the memory of all Canadian veterans who served their country with such distinction,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “Mint employees are honoured to pay tribute to those who have bravely fought for our freedom, particularly on the eve of such a significant anniversary.”

“The Royal Canadian Legion is extremely pleased that the Royal Canadian Mint has honoured our veterans with the production of this very special poppy coin,” said Mr. Wilfred Edmond, Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“Shoppers Drug Mart is honoured to be a part of the circulation of this commemorative coin that recognizes the valour and courage of those Canadians who served in the First World War,” said Tammy Smitham, Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs, Shoppers Drug Mart. “In partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion, our Pharmacist-owned stores will also be a distribution point for poppies during the Remembrance period to raise further awareness and funds for our Veterans.” (more…)

Coin series including the Chinese Lunar Zodiac, Vignettes of Royalty, Playing Card Money and Crystal Snowflakes and new NHL© coin and gift products join the team

The Royal Canadian Mint today issued its latest release of collector coins and gift products for 2008—just in time for the holiday season. Examples from this impressive selection include: gold and silver coins celebrating the Year of the Ox; new gold and silver Moon Mask coins; an ultra-high relief King George V Vignettes of Royalty $15 silver coin; a new 99.99% pure silver Holiday Carols coin; as well as innovative keepsakes honouring Canada’s beloved NHL© teams, featuring team jerseys, dual image logos and goalie masks. The public can purchase these new products as of today.

“As the Royal Canadian Mint continues to celebrate its centennial year, we are proud to issue new products showcasing the creativity, quality and innovation which have been our hallmarks since 1908,” said President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, Ian E. Bennett. “Collectors and gift givers alike will find many exciting choices among the collector coins and gift products offered just in time for the holiday and hockey seasons.”

Here are the highlights of the Mint’s newest selection of products:

2009 LUNAR HOLOGRAM GOLD AND LUNAR CAMEO SILVER COINS – YEAR OF THE OX
The annual tradition of celebrating the Chinese Lunar Zodiac with gold and silver commemorative coin releases is alive and well as the Mint pays tribute to the Year of the Ox in 2009.

Both Year of the Ox coins are designed by Canadian artist Harvey Chan. The Lunar Cameo Coin is sterling silver and bears a face value of 15 dollars. It is the final instalment of the 12-coin series begun by the Mint in 1998. It features an octagon– shaped gold-plated cameo of a stylized ox surrounded by the 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. This coin is the only 2009 issue bearing the former effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which graced Canada’s coinage from 1990 to 2003. Limited to a worldwide mintage of 48,888, it retails for $88.88 CDN. (more…)