The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today officially launched the 2008 issue of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Gold and Silver Maple Leaf bullion coins. These unique RCM bullion products are the world’s first bullion coins promoting the spirit of the Olympic Games. The RCM’s Ottawa facility will produce up to 50,000 coins in gold for the 2008 issue and the silver version will be produced on demand. Two more annual issues (2009 and 2010) will follow.

In July 2007, the RCM received permission from the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee to produce and market these new gold and silver bullion coins. The designs for these coins were first unveiled in August 2007.

“I’m very proud that the Royal Canadian Mint is again launching a series of bullion coins which will stand out in a very competitive marketplace,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “Gold and silver have long symbolized the pinnacle of international athletic competition and we are delighted that the Royal Canadian Mint’s world-renowned bullion coins are now associated with the Olympic Movement.”

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. Both are now available through the RCM’s extensive network of bullion dealers.

Sport of snowboarding featured, sixth in series of 17 special circulation coins

OTTAWA, Feb. 20 /CNW Telbec/ – The Royal Canadian Mint today officially released the first Olympic 25-cent circulation coin of 2008. The sport of snowboarding is depicted on the coin, which is the sixth of 17 circulation coins to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“With two years to go until 2010, the Mint is delighted to be launching its second wave of circulation coins to commemorate the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “Featuring the dynamic and energetic sport of snowboarding is a fantastic way to kick off 2008.”

“The Canadian Snowboard Federation is honoured to have our sport immortalized through the Royal Canadian Mint’s snowboard coin,” said Mr. Tom McIllfaterick, CEO of the Canadian Snowboard Federation. “We are also pleased to be working with the Royal Canadian Mint to help promote the coin launch through our various online and event opportunities.”

Up to 22 million 25-cent snowboarding coins will enter into circulation today and will be available exclusively at RBC and participating Petro-Canada gas stations. RBC is a Premier National Partner and Petro-Canada is a National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Canadians can also look for these special coins in their change. Participating Petro-Canada gas stations will also sell snowboarding sport cards, containing a uniquely painted version of the coin. The sport cards, which are now available, sell for $7.95. (more…)

Ottawa, Ontario, February 2, 2008 – The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) added to its star-studded line up of award-winning coins when Krause Publications bestowed the Coin of the Year and Most Innovative Coin Awards on the RCM’s laser-etched $50 Palladium Big Bear and Little Bear Constellations coin series at the 2008 Coin of the Year Awards. Adding even more to the RCM’s prestige, its 2006 colourized $5 Fine Silver “Pink Ribbon” Coin also was a co-winner of the Most Inspirational Coin Award. Krause Publications, of the United States, publishes World Coin News and Numismatic News, in addition to many respected numismatic catalogues and research titles.

“We welcome these distinctions during our centennial year, as the proud employees of the Royal Canadian Mint celebrate a century of achievement,” said Ian E. Bennett, RCM President and CEO. “Our passion for innovation and excellence has made us a leader in the minting industry and we are delighted that these qualities are being recognized by leaders in the numismatic community.”

The $50 Palladium Big Bear and Little Bear Constellations coin series consists of four 31.16 g, 99.95% palladium coins featuring the constellations in a night sky, reproduced by a deep black laser-etching. Each coin displays the constellations as they would appear above Canada’s capital during each of the four seasons. This appealing and ingenious design is the work of RCM Product Manager Jennifer Holmes, whose impressive portfolio includes sell-outs such as the Gold $3 Square Beaver Coin and the square-holed $8 Fine Silver Chinese Coin. (more…)