OTTAWA, - The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today officially released the fifth of 17 circulation coins to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The sport of alpine skiing is depicted on the 25-cent coin.

“Alpine skiing is yet another sport the Mint is proudly celebrating as part of its extensive Olympic coin program,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “As we look ahead to the next two years, the Mint will continue to offer Canadians from coast to coast the unique opportunity to collect a piece of the Games.”

“Alpine Canada Alpin is honoured that our great sport is being showcased to all Canadians though the issuing of an Olympic coin,” said Mr. Ken Read, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Canada Alpin. “Alpine ski racing has a long tradition of excellence in this country and our athletes are committed to being the very best in the world as we head towards the 2010 Winter Games.”

Up to 22 million 25-cent alpine skiing coins will enter into circulation today, October 24th, and will be available exclusively at RBC Royal Bank and participating Petro-Canada outlets. RBC Royal Bank 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 alpine skiing sport cards, containing a uniquely painted version of the coin. The sport cards, which are now available, sell for $7.95.

Alpine skiing has been contested at every Winter Olympics since the 1936 Winter Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The Olympic alpine competition consists of ten events, one each for men and women in the following disciplines: super combined, downhill, giant slalom, slalom and super-G. Canadians have won 10 medals in alpine skiing at the Olympic Games, including four gold medals. The first Canadian to win Olympic alpine gold was Anne Heggtveit in the slalom event at the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley.

Designed by Canadian artist Glenn Green of Vancouver, BC, the alpine skiing circulation coin features an alpine skier 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.

While the alpine skiing coin marks the final Olympic Winter Games themed coin to be launched into circulation in 2007, Canadians can look forward to several more in 2008: four 25-cent coins will feature the sports of snowboarding (February 20th), freestyle skiing (April 16th), figure skating (September 10th) and bobsleigh (October 29th), while the 2008 Lucky Loonie will be launched prior to the Beijing Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games on July 23rd.

Additionally, the RCM is offering a sterling silver collector version of the alpine skiing coin, featuring a stunning hologram. The sterling silver coin was designed by Toronto artist Brian Hughes and retails for $69.95. The RCM is also offering the first day 25-cent alpine skiing coin ($15.95) and the 25-cent alpine skiing circulation coin roll ($16.95). These items and other coins can be purchased through the RCM’s website at www.mint.ca by calling 1-800-267-1871 or through authorized dealers.

Background

In June, 2006, the RCM 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 RCM has undertaken to produce the most extensive circulation coin program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by any mint worldwide.

The RCM 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.

Over the next three years, the RCM 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.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The RCM, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. In operation since 1908, the RCM is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the RCM, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.

Images and product details of the RCM’s newest collection are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.

For further information: Christine Aquino, Director, Communications, Royal Canadian Mint, (613) 993-9999, (613) 991-5342, aquino@mint.ca; Jennifer Field, Account Director, Hill & Knowlton Ottawa, (613) 786-9956, Cellular: (613) 327-0012, jennifer.field@hillandknowlton.ca