100th anniversary of the Declaration of the First World War, Quebec and
Charlottetown Conferences figure among several historical turning
points to be commemorated in 2014
OTTAWA, Jan. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - As Canadians prepare to observe historic
milestones in 2014 the Royal Canadian Mint is launching an impressive
variety of new collector coins whose themes capture Canada's coming of
age, as well as prized symbols of our national identity. In addition
to dedicating its 2014 Silver Dollar products to the 100th anniversary
of the declaration of the First World War, the Mint is celebrating
another nation-building milestone with the 150th anniversary of the
Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences, and paying tribute to Samuel de
Champlain as it continues its Great Canadian Explorers $200 gold coin
series. Skate Canada's 100th anniversary, as well as other Canadian
icons, cultural symbols and popular coins sets also help ring in the
New Year.
"The Mint takes great pride in reflecting the richness of Canada's
history, culture and values through an annual collector coin offering
which is second to none in terms of its variety, craftsmanship and
innovation," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal
Canadian Mint. "Stories of turning points in our history or cherished
icons of our national identity are powerful themes which we are proud
to share with Canadians and customers from around the world."
The Royal Canadian Mint is joining Canadians in remembering the service
and sacrifice of our veterans of the First World War and their families
by dedicating its 2014 Silver Dollar products to the 100th anniversary
of Canada's decision to join the Allied declaration of war against
Germany on August 19, 1914. Officially unveiled at the Canadian War
Museum in Ottawa on January 13, 2014, the 2014 Proof Silver Dollar
features an emotional farewell portrait, by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie
Ross, of recruits boarding a train to Valcartier, Quebec to prepare for
war in Europe. This compelling glimpse of a scene replayed countless
times across Canada from 1914-18 can also be found on the 2014
Brilliant Uncirculated Silver Dollar and on the 2014 Fine Silver Proof
Set.
As Canada marches closer to celebrating 150 years of nationhood in 2017,
the Mint is commemorating a pivotal step towards Confederation by
honouring the 150th anniversary of Quebec and Charlottetown Conferences on its annual
14-Karat, $100 Gold Coin. Spear-headed by legendary political figures
such as Georges-Étienne Cartier and John A. McDonald, these conferences
convinced the Fathers of Confederation that a united, sovereign Canada
was possible, thus turning the dream of a Canadian nation into reality
on July 1, 1867. Using a style inspired by 19th century engravings,
Quebec artist Luc Normandin has gracefully reproduced the buildings
where the vision of Canada as we know it today first took shape.
The Mint's Great Canadian Explorer $200 Gold Coin series celebrates the
intrepid figures who boldly charted their own course to discover and
open a new land which would someday become Canada. For 2014, the Mint
is commemorating Samuel De Champlain who, in addition to founding the
city of Québec in 1608, reached Lake Huron 400 years ago after
navigating the St-Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, stopping at the site of
the future nation's capital along the way. The coin features De
Champlain in the company of an aboriginal guide in a classic
illustration by accomplished artist and coin designer Glen
Greene.
Our cultural heritage returns to the spotlight with the celebration of a
Canadian winter rite of passage on a new $10 face-value, coloured fine
silver coin. This coin is being launched as Skate Canada marks 100
years of figure skating championships in Canada in Ottawa January 9-15,
2014. Designed by Canadian artist Tony Harris, the reverse side of the
coin features a timeless scene, in full-colour, of a man teaching a
young child to skate on an outdoor rink in winter.
Another side of Canadian culture is on display with a 50-cent
silver-plated coin featuring 100 Blessings of Good Fortune. The bold
design of this coin celebrating the rich influence of the Canadian
Chinese community consists of 100 variations of the word "fu", meaning
"good fortune", arranged on 13 vertical tiers symbolizing bamboo
reeds. This striking coin is accentuated by a larger good fortune in a
red enamel square.
Canada's wealth of symbols and icons is celebrated on a variety of new
coins, including:
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a 50-cent Pure Gold Coin honouring the industrious beaver, through a
design inspired by G.E. Kruger Gray's classic illustration found on
Canada's five-cent circulation coins since 1937;
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the last issue of the $300 14KT "Provincial Coat of Arms" Gold Coin
series, featuring Saskatchewan; and
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Premium-struck, reverse proof versions of our industry-leading Gold and
Silver Maple Leaf bullion coins.
A new O Canada series celebrating iconic Canadian images retuns in 2014
with $25 and $10 fine silver coins celebrating the Igloo, a masterpiece
of our Arctic people's ingenuity and resourcefulness. Popular annual
issues are also now in store, which include:
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the 2014 Specimen Set featuring the Ferruginous Hawk;
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the 2014 Uncirculated Set;
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the 2014 Gift Sets, returning with the themes of "Baby", "O Canada",
Wedding" and "Birthday" and
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the 2014 Fine Silver Coin - Welcome to the World
Mintages, pricing and full background information on each product can be
found on the "Shop" tab of www.mint.ca.
All of these products can be ordered directly from the Mint at
1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. The coins are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in
Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through our global network
of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post
outlets.
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 collection are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint
