QUEENSTON, ON, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - 200 years after Laura Secord's
historic nocturnal walk through the woods and fields near Queenston,
Upper Canada to warn British forces of a planned American attack, the
Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara
Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Royal
Canadian Mint unveiled a new circulation coin honouring her memory as a
hero of the War of 1812. This is the last of four circulation coins
which have commemorated key historical figures that influenced the
fight for Canada from 1812 to 1814.
"Honouring the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with this special circulation coin pays
tribute to one of our greatest national heroes and reminds us that
women and men of all backgrounds played instrumental roles on the road
to Confederation," said Minister Nicholson. "Our Government encourages
Canadians to take this unprecedented opportunity to learn more about
our heroes and history and to take pride in our traditions by
collecting this new circulation coin dedicated to War of 1812 hero
Laura Secord".
The War of 1812 paved the way for Confederation. It was the fight for
Canada and a defining moment in our country's history that saw British
regular forces, English and French-speaking militia, First Nations and
Métis1 allies join together to defend our borders2. Without their courage and sacrifice, and the support of ordinary
citizens like Laura Secord, Canada as we know it would not exist.
"The Royal Canadian Mint is committed to preserving memories of the
people, places and events which tell the story of the Canadian
experience and the remembrance of the heroes of the War of 1812 is a
wonderful way to celebrate our proud values," said Ian E. Bennett,
President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Laura Secord is
celebrated as a hero of the War of 1812 for valiantly supporting our
troops in a spirit which survives to this day and the Mint is delighted
to have issued a 25-cent circulation coin which Canadians can collect
in celebration of her nation-building achievement."
Limited to a mintage of 12.5 million coins, the Laura Secord 25-cent
commemorative circulation coin begins circulating June 22, 2013. The
public is encouraged to look for it in their change or obtain it at
face value online at www.mint.ca/1812.
The Mint has also released a number of exquisite precious metal
collector coins since the official launch of the 200th anniversary celebrations of the War of 1812 on June 18, 2012. On June
11, 2013, the Mint issued a $4 face value 99.99% pure silver coin
featuring a portrait of Laura Secord, set against an intricately
engraved background consisting of the bilingual text "The War of
1812/La guerre de 1812." This coin is also emblazoned by the engraved
and painted Government of Canada War of 1812 logo. Limited to a
mintage of only 10,000 examples world-wide, this coin retails for
$49.95 CDN. Laura Secord is also celebrated in recently launched
Commemorative Gift Sets and Special Edition Uncirculated Sets featuring
the Mint's War of 1812-themed circulation coins.
This product, and others, can be purchased from www.mint.ca; the Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver; and through
our network of distributors, including participating Canada Post
outlets. These products can also be ordered by directly contacting the
Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the US.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the
minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. An ISO
9001-2008 certified company, the Mint 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 Mint, its products and
services, visit www.mint.ca
Images of the Mint's newest War of 1812 commemorative circulation coin
are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.
Backgrounder
2013 25-cent circulation coin:
200th anniversary of the War of 1812 "Laura Secord"
As Canadians far and wide mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, this historical turning point is a
reminder of the heroic figures whose brave acts assured the defence of
a future Canada. One of the most legendary figures of that conflict
was heroine Laura Secord, whose night time trek to warn British troops
of an impending American attack at Beaver Dams is forever remembered as
an act of courage and loyalty to the troops engaged in the successful
defense of Canadian territory in the War of 1812.
Laura Secord's journey into legend began when her "Late Loyalist" father
Thomas Ingersoll moved his family from Massachusetts to the township of
Queenston in 1795. She later married merchant James Secord, who became
a sergeant in the local militia. He served under Major-General Sir
Isaac Brock and was seriously wounded in the famous Battle of Queenston
Heights in October 1812.
On June 20 or 21, of 1813, Laura overheard American officers discussing
their intention to ambush a British outpost near Beaver Dams and
capture its commanding officer, Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. With her
husband still recovering from his battle injuries, Laura set out on
foot early the next morning to warn Lieutenant FitzGibbon who was over
30 kilometres away. She successfully delivered her message first to
about 400 First Nations warriors, then FitzGibbon. On June 24, 1813,
American forces confident of capturing Beaver Dams were ambushed by the
First Nations Warriors. FitzGibbon's 50 British soldiers arrived in
time to accept the American surrender.
Laura Secord only received public recognition in 1860, when the Prince
of Wales (the future Edward VII) visited Upper Canada and learned of
Secord's journey. Upon his return to England, he sent Secord a reward
of £100 and publicly lauded her contribution as a war hero. After
helping defend future Canadian territory so many years earlier, she
died a revered citizen of a newly founded Canada in 1868 at the age of
93.
The reverse image of this new 25-cent circulation coin features a
profile portrait of Laura Secord, designed by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie
Ross, against an intricately engraved background comprised of the words
"The War of 1812" in both English and French. Featured in the design is
the stylized maple leaf from the Government of Canada War of 1812 logo,
on which "1812" appears in antique script.
12.5 million of these commemorative circulation coins have been produced
in two distinct finishes: half feature a coloured maple leaf from the
War of 1812 logo, while the remainder bear a frosted portrait of Laura
Secord with an unpainted maple leaf.
The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by
Susanna Blunt.
Canadians can find this new coin in general circulation as of June 22,
2013, or obtain limited quantities through an online coin exchange at www.mint.ca/1812.
SOURCE: Government of Canada
