The Royal Canadian Mint's newest collector coins include Canada's first square-holed coin

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OTTAWA, April 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today issued

its latest collector catalogue featuring eight new 2007 collector coins,

including Canada's first-ever square holed coin, in fine silver. This unique

coin evokes the memory of trade in ancient China. Other releases include a new

99.999% pure gold coin and new silver coins in several continuing series such

as national war monuments, native and traditional Canadian flowers and tall

ships.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to introduce collector coins that

continue to uphold our reputation for exceptional design, quality and

technical innovation," said President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, Ian

E. Bennett. "The blend of artistry, technology and historical significance in

this latest release is sure to appeal to a broad range of collectors and coin

enthusiasts".

Here are the featured products in the RCM's latest collectible line-up:

 

2007 $8 FINE SILVER CHINESE COIN

 

Though a first for the RCM, the square-holed coin dates back more than

2,500 years, when it first appeared as standard currency in China. When

Chinese immigrants first came to Canada in the 19th Century, square-holed

coins continued to be used as trade tokens as tight-knit Chinese communities

were established across Canada. With a unique $8 denomination, this 99.99%

silver coin is struck in a proof finish. Limited to a world-wide mintage of

20,000, the coin retails for $49.95 CDN.

 

2007 99999 GOLD COIN - PURPLE VIOLET

 

This coin captures the natural beauty of New Brunswick's Purple Violet in

the purest gold ever refined by any mint, hand polished to proof perfection.

By issuing the first coin in the provincial flowers series in 1998, the RCM

was first to introduce the collector world to the highest achievement in gold

refining: 99.999% purity. With a face value of $350, a mintage limited to

1,400 and over one ounce of pure gold, this exquisite coin retails for

$1,520.95 CDN.

 

2007 1/25 OUNCE GOLD COIN - WOLF

 

Fourth in the series of the smallest gold coins ever produced by the RCM,

the 2007 1/25 ounce pure gold coin features a female wolf surveying a natural

landscape. With a 50-cent denomination and a retail price of $81.95 CDN, this

proof collector coin gives more collectors the chance to own a finely crafted

piece of 99.99% pure gold.

 

2007 $30 STERLING SILVER COIN - CANADIAN NATIONAL VIMY MEMORIAL

 

The imposing Vimy Ridge war memorial is the subject of the third coin in

a sterling silver series depicting spectacular monuments honouring Canada's

war veterans. Issued on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Vimy Ridge

Victory, the coin elegantly pays tribute to the memory of the thousands of

Canadian troops lost in action on French soil during World War I.

The reverse of this proof coin bears the image of "Canada mourning her

sons" against a background of the engraved ranks of the missing. The

world-wide mintage of this coin, available for $79.95 CDN, is limited to

15,000.

 

2007 $20 SILVER COIN - BRIGANTINE

 

The third coin of the popular Tall Ships series features the brigantine,

a nimble two-masted sailing vessel that dominated the trade routes of the

Americas during the golden age of sail. A vibrant hologram effect brings the

design of artist Bonnie Ross to life on this proof 99.99% pure silver coin.

Limited to a mintage of 16,000, this coin retails for $74.95 CDN.

 

2007 SPECIAL EDITION PROOF SILVER DOLLAR - CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

 

This year's special edition proof silver dollar depicts the many pillars

of Canada's thriving arts community in a beautifully executed montage. Struck

in sterling silver with a proof finish and limited to a world-wide mintage of

only 20,000, this sterling silver dollar retails for $54.95 CDN.

 

2007 50-CENT STERLING SILVER COIN - FORGET-ME-NOT

 

The RCM's exclusive selective gold plating technology continues on a new

proof 50-cent sterling silver coin. In keeping with the theme of Canada's

"golden" flowers, the Golden Forget-Me-Not was chosen for both its delicate

beauty and the species' significance as the emblem of the Alzheimer Society of

Canada. In recognition of the Society's efforts against a debilitating

disease, the RCM will contribute $1.00 CDN to the Alzheimer Society of Canada

for each coin sold. Available at $38.95 CDN, this coin is limited to a

world-wide mintage of 20,000.

 

2007 25-CENT COLOURED COIN - RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

 

The richly coloured ruby-throated hummingbird is the subject of a new

painted 25-cent coin struck in a specimen finish. This instantly recognizable

species of hummingbird will also be starring in one of the "wildly" popular

Hinterland Who's Who television vignettes. This coin is limited to a mintage

of 25,000 and retails for $24.95 CDN.

 

25-CENT CANADA DAY COLOURED COIN AND ACTIVITY KIT

 

The RCM prepares to celebrate Canada's birthday with its seventh Canada

Day Coloured 25-cent coin. The coin pays tribute to the RCMP with a depiction

of "MacLean the Mountie", wearing the famous Red Serge. The coin is housed in

an activity set featuring a trivia quiz and four temporary tattoos perfect for

Canada Day celebrations.

The RCM also introduced the very popular and collectible 50-cent piece in

a commemorative paper wrap roll holding 25 coins. As well, two special

occasion pure silver wafer gift products: the 1 oz. silver wedding and baby

wafers, along with a Special Edition Wedding Gift Set were issued.

The RCM's numismatic and gift products can be purchased directly from the

Mint by calling 1-800-267-1871 in Canada or 1-800-268-6468 in the US, via the

Internet at www.mint.ca, or by visiting the Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and

Winnipeg. These products are also available from the RCM's global network of

dealers and distributors.

 

The RCM, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown Corporation

responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins.

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.