The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City by issuing a commemorative two-dollar coin.

“I invite all Canadians to look for this commemorative coin in their change,” said Ian E. Bennett, the Mint’s President and CEO. “Six million of these coins will be put into circulation to be exchanged daily not only by Quebecers, but by Canadians throughout the country. This coin is a striking way to pay tribute to Quebec City’s heritage, and to its significance in Canadian history. The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to join Quebec City’s citizens and admirers in celebrating the 400th anniversary of this famous city.”

This coin was officially unveiled to the public at the IIHF World Hockey Championship’s “Fanfest” on May 7th, before the start of the game headlining France and Belarus. Notably present at its unveiling were Mint spokesperson Véronique Cloutier, Marguerite Nadeau, Royal Canadian Mint Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary, Jean Leclerc, Chairman of the Quebec 400th Anniversary Corporation, as well as other public figures.

“There are few North American cities that can celebrate a past such as that of Québec City. It is from the year 1608 that we truly started to become what we are today. Because the founding of Québec City also marks the founding of Canada,” said the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages.

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO – In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint recorded an unprecedented profit of $30.7 million, almost double the previous year’s figure. Throughout the year, it also leveraged its innovation advantage, strengthened strategic partnerships and positioned itself for future growth in the global marketplace.

“The past year was one of remarkable accomplishment for the Mint, and this success can be attributed to the dedication and commitment of each and every employee of the Corporation,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “As we move forward, we will invest in our infrastructure, our world-renowned technology and in our employees – all of which will ensure our path to continued success.”

Achievements for the Royal Canadian Mint in 2007 included:

An increase in revenue to $632.1 million;

The production of 1.937 billion Canadian circulation coins;

The expansion of the coin recycling program in Ontario and Quebec;

As an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the launch of the first five circulation coins of its extensive Olympic commemorative coin program; (more…)

2008 $25 Sterling Silver Hologram Coin – Freestyle Skiing

LIMITED TO 45,000 COINS WORLDWIDE

Freestyle skiing began in the 1960’s when social change and freedom of expression led to new and exciting skiing techniques. Originally a mix of alpine skiing and acrobatics, the first competition was held in New Hampshire in 1966. The sport became an Olympic medal event in 1992 in Albertville, and only two years later in Lillehammer, Canadians won gold in moguls, and silver and bronze medals at the first aerials event.
CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS, (Faster, Higher, Stronger)

These three words, comprising the motto of the Olympic movement, encourage the athlete in all of us to give our best during competition, and to view this effort as its own victory.

The Olympic Games have a 3,000 year history of bringing people together to give their best in competition. The Winter Games are the cold-weather complement to the original Olympic Summer Games. Held every four years, the Olympic Winter Games feature winter sports, all of which are held on ice or snow.

The only Olympic Winter Games held in Canada was in 1988, in the city of Calgary, Alberta. In 2010, Canada will proudly host the XXI Olympic Winter Games, this time in Vancouver, British Columbia let the Games begin!
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