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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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…)