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.