The Royal Canadian Mint launches the 25-cent Ice Hockey coin

[akdrv]

Ice Hockey - Canada's game - the second sport featured in series of 17

special coins going into circulation over the next three years

 

WINNIPEG, April 2 /CNW Telbec/ - The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today

officially released the second of 17 circulation coins to celebrate the

Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Ice hockey - widely

considered Canada's game - is depicted on the 25-cent coin. The coin will

enter circulation on April 3 in conjunction with the 2007 Women's World Hockey

Championship being held in Winnipeg from April 3 to April 10.

Speaking at the official launch ceremony held at the RCM's

state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Winnipeg, Ian E. Bennett, President

and CEO of the RCM, said: "It's no coincidence that we're in Winnipeg, the

site of both the world's premier annual hockey event for women and our

facility that has produced the ice hockey coin. The Mint is delighted to

recognize Canada's passion for this sport as we build towards the Vancouver

2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

Up to 22 million 25-cent ice hockey coins will enter into circulation 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 ice hockey sports cards, containing a

uniquely painted version of the coin. The sports cards will sell for $7.95 and

will also be available as of April 3.

Canadian men won the first gold medal for ice hockey in Olympic Games

history at the 1920 Summer Games in Antwerp and the team has been a perennial

favourite and serious competitor ever since. The Canadian women's team has

medaled in all three Games in which ice hockey has been a full medal sport,

beginning with Nagano in 1998 - the last two consecutive have been gold

medals.

Designed by Canadian artist Glenn Green of Vancouver, BC, the coin

features a hockey player 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.

Additionally, for enthusiasts and serious collectors in Canada and

abroad, the RCM has introduced a sterling silver collector version of the ice

hockey coin, featuring the sport and a stunning hologram. The sterling silver

coin was designed by Canadian artist Steve Hepburn of Richmond, BC and retails

for $69.95. Canadians can purchase coins 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 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.

[De Orc]

Thanks for the heads up on this, must put the silver version on my Xmas wants list

 

De Orc

[Topher]

I'm heading to the bank today to pick up a roll. One for each kid, one for dad, and the rest to trade away to those outside of the Great White North.