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.

Snowboarding is the sport of riding a large flat ski downhill over snow and was originally derived from the idea of a surfboard. While first making an appearance in the 1960s, the sport became wildly popular in the 1980s. Snowboarding made its Olympic debut at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, with Canada’s Ross Rebagliati winning the first gold medal ever in this discipline. There are three snowboard categories for both men and women in the Olympic Winter Games: halfpipe, parallel giant slalom and snowboard cross.

Designed by Canadian artist Glenn Green of Vancouver, BC, the snowboarding circulation coin features a snowboarder in the centre, a stylized maple leaf and the words ‘Vancouver 2010′. The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, rendered by Susanna Blunt.

Canadians can look forward to four more Olympic Winter Games themed circulation coins in 2008: three 25-cent coins will feature the sports of freestyle skiing (April 16th), figure skating (September 10th) and bobsleigh (October 29th), while the 2008 Lucky Loonie will be launched on July 23rd, prior to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Additionally, the Mint is offering a sterling silver collector version of the snowboarding coin, featuring a stunning hologram. The sterling silver coin was designed by artist Steve Hepburn of Richmond, British Columbia, and retails for $ 71.95. The Mint is also offering the first day 25-cent snowboarding coin ($15.95) and the 25-cent snowboarding circulation coin roll ($16.95). These items and other coins can be purchased through the Mint’s website at www.mint.ca by calling 1-800-267-1871 or through authorized dealers.

Background

In June, 2006, the Mint became an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with the signing of an agreement with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). The Mint has undertaken to produce the most extensive circulation coin program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by any mint worldwide.

The Mint has exclusive rights for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in the Minting of circulation, Precious Metal and Base Metal Numismatic and Bullion Coins product and service category and will also be responsible for minting the athlete medals.

During its three-year program, the Mint will put into circulation 17 coins in Canada featuring designs related to the 2010 Winter Games. Thirty-six limited mintage collector coins and sets will also be offered. Canadians from coast to coast can share in the pride and touch the Games by collecting and saving these special Canadian coins.