Silver dollar, gold coins feature limited mintages and technological enhancements OTTAWA, ONTARIO, January 12, 2004 -- The Royal Canadian Mint introduced its flagship products for the 2005 calendar year today. New technological enhancements and a new series are expected to drive sales across the core products of the silver dollar, the 14K and 22 K gold coins. "The great success of our core products last year attests to interesting themes identified by our market research, quality and craftsmanship of the product and the depth of the Royal Canadian Mint brand", said David Dingwall, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "In 2005, we are very excited about the emotional draw of our themes, the lazered enhancement on the 14K, the nearly sold-out Shinplaster, and the new series for the 22k." 2005 PROOF SILVER DOLLAR - 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANADA'S NATIONAL FLAG The birth of Canada's iconic Maple Leaf was originally inspired by the planning for the national centennial celebrations of 1967. Numerous experts joined the Parliamentary committee before a new design was agreed upon after months of deliberations. The blazing red maple leaf, recognized as a symbol of Canada since its fur trade beginnings, emerged as the most fitting emblem. On February 15th, 1965, Canada's new flag was raised for the first time in an official ceremony on Parliament Hill. This 99.99% fine proof silver dollar was designed by Mint Engraver William Woodruff, and depicts Canada's flag surrounded by the Parliament's Peace Tower and celebratory fireworks. Produced to demand, this coin is available for $34.95 CDN. 2005 14-KARAT GOLD COIN - 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA Lazer enhanced designed In 1867, the British North American Act solidified the basic elements of Canada's own judicial system., including the provision for Canada's own court of appeal. Sir John A. MacDonald was among the statesmen who took up the cause, and on April 8, 1875, Canada's "court of last resort" was born. An essential component of Canadian justice for 130 years, the Supreme Court of Canada has stood as a powerful symbol of this nation's key values of democratic governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law. This 14K proof gold coin features a stunning design by Canadian artist Suzanne Duranceau that highlights the lazer enhanced Statue of Justitia and the Supreme Court of Canada building. The $100 dollar face value coin features a limited worldwide mintage of 9,000, and is available for $329.95 CDN. 2005 22-KARAT GOLD COIN - FUR TRADERS New Series - Historical Commerce Canada's fur trade began almost by accident as explorers exchanged goods with the Aboriginal Peoples they met while searching for more efficient trade routes to the Occident. Soon, Europe's love affair with the beaver fur was in full force, and trading posts began to appear along the St. Lawrence River. Pushing ever westward in search of the prized fur, the Voyageurs travelled thousands of kilometres across still water and dangerous rapids. Known as the coureurs de bois or Voyageurs, the design captures the spirit of those brave men that helped shape a nation. This 22K proof gold coin features a fluid design by Canadian artist John Mardon that captures a canoe laden with Voyageurs challenging the rapids to trade their hard earned cargo. The $200 dollar face value coin features a reduced worldwide mintage of 4,500, and is available for $489.95 CDN. 2005 $300 DOLLAR GOLD COIN - 135TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1870 SHINPLASTER Nearly sold out on pre-order! In order to stem the flow of American silver coins into Canada, which were devalued as a result of the American Civil War, the Dominion of Canada ordered its own coins from the Royal Mint in London. As an interim form of currency, the paper "shinplaster" was issued by the government and considered "as good as gold" because it could be redeemed in Montreal, Toronto or St. John. So named because they resembled the fractional note that US soldiers reputedly used to line their boots, the shinplaster continued to circulate for 65 years, despite its intended temporary purpose. The proof 14 karat gold coin features a design by Canadian artist Robert Ralph Carmichael, the coin depicts a regal Britannia as she appeared on the Dominion's' first shinplaster in 1870. With a winged lion upon her head, her graceful beauty conveys certain strength. The $300 face value coin features a very limited worldwide mintage of 1,250, and is available for $1,295.95 CDN. All of the Mint's products Individual coins are available directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca . The coins are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's global network of dealers and distributors. The Royal Canadian Mint, 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 Royal Canadian 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 Royal Canadian Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca . - 30 - For further information: Pam Aung Thin Vice-President Communications Tel.: (613) 993-5092 Tel.: (613) 991-5342 Cellular: (613) 220-5096 E-mail: aungthin@mint.ca
