OTTAWA, March 18, 2005 -- To celebrate the Year of the Veteran and the 60th Anniversary of the World War II Allied victory, the Royal Canadian Mint will be introducing four collector and consumer products throughout 2005. "Sixty years ago, thousands of young Canadians fought for world peace and freedom and their collective accomplishments brought honour and respect to our country", said David C. Dingwall, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "They deserve to be forever thanked and remembered." All of the Mint's products listed below 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 selected Canada Post outlets and retailers. 2005 Five-Cent Sterling Silver Coin and Medallion Set - VE Day Celebrations The 2005 5-Cent Sterling Silver Coin and Medallion Set includes a five- cent coin with the 1945 Victory Nickel design struck in sterling silver and double-dated (1945-2005) to highlight this special anniversary year. The Victory Nickel features the late King George VI on the obverse - the first time a non-reigning monarch appears on coinage. The set also includes a bronze medallion with images of the Land, Air, and Sea forces and the late King George VI on the obverse. In addition, a comprehensive 36-page illustrated booklet detailing Canada's role leading up to the end of the war in Europe. With unlimited mintage, this remarkable collectible set will be available as of April 4, 2005 for $29.95 CDN. 2005 Five-Dollar Silver Coin - 60th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War In the six years of conflict, Canada had enlisted more than one million men and women in her armed forces. Of these, more than 45,000 gave their lives in the cause of peace and freedom. This very special commemorative coin salutes these Canadian heroes. This 99.99% fine silver five-dollar coin was designed by Peter Mossman and depicts Canada's Air, Land and Sea forces against a maple leaf and the letter V for victory. Limited to 25,000 worldwide, this coin will be available as of April 4, 2005 for $39.95 CDN. 2005 50-Cent Sterling Silver Six-Coin Set - 60th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War Canada played a crucial role in the Allied victory over the Nazis in World War II. The achievements of our young nation were remarkable. The struggles of Canadians who served in the Canadian Armed Forces were not in vain - every battle they waged, every inch of ground they gained contributed to the victory for the Allies. This exceptional six-coin set revisits pivotal events in which Canadians participated during the Second World War: the Battle of Britain, the Liberation of the Netherlands, the Conquest of Sicily, the Battle of the Scheldt, the Raid on Dieppe, and the Battle of the Atlantic. Designed by Peter Mossman, this commemorative sterling silver six-coin set is limited to 20,000 worldwide and is available for $149.95 CDN. From May to October 2005, a special commemorative coin will be released every month to complete the series. The first issue released in May 2005 marks the Battle of Britain. 2005 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Set - 60 Years of Liberation: The Netherlands and Canada The Canadian Armed Forces played a leading role in the liberation of the Netherlands that was completed on May 5, 1945. This special edition set pays tribute to our Canadian heroes and celebrates the enduring friendship these two nations share. This 2005 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Set features a Canadian 25-cent sterling silver coin with eight brilliant uncirculated Euro coins, and a commemorative Royal Dutch Mint medallion. Limited to 17,500 sets worldwide, this commemorative collection will be available as of April 4, 2005 for $49.95 CDN. 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 (613) 993-5092 (613) 991-5342 Cellular: (613) 220-5096 aungthin@mint.ca
