Coin Celebrates 60th Anniversary of WWII Allied Victory (DARTMOUTH) - The Royal Canadian Mint announced today that it will strike a representation of the famous Victory nickel for general circulation. Originally struck from 1943 to 1945, the Victory nickel was designed to promote the Canadian war effort during the Second World War. The new coin was unveiled during a special ceremony in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The new Victory Anniversary Nickel commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the World War II Allied victory, and will enter into circulation today. Up to 60 million coins will go into circulation. "The 2005 Victory Anniversary Nickel is a fitting tribute during the Year of the Veteran", said the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint. "I am proud that this coin will serve as a meaningful symbol of remembrance for the courage of Canadians whose contributions were greater than their numbers." The original design, by Mint Master Engraver Thomas Shingles, was used between 1943 and 1945 and featured a "V" symbol, which represented Winston Churchill's famous "V" for victory sign as well as the Roman numeral. A flamed torch was the centre of the design is symbolic of sacrifice. All of the design elements played a part in the entire message, designed to convey the idea that victory comes by sacrifice and willingness to work. "Today, it is a splendid torch from two generations ago that we strike anew, to rekindle the flame of celebration and remembrance", said David C. Dingwall, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Following the great interest in the Poppy and Terry Fox coins, the Mint is proud to continue in a great tradition of using the remarkably accessible canvas of our circulation coins to create a picture of the Canadian experience." Commemorative rolls and First Day Covers are also available from the Mint for $6.95 and $14.95, respectively. The Mint is also offering a Five-Cent Sterling Silver Coin and Medallion Set commemorating Victory Europe Day Celebrations that features the portrait of the late King George VI. This marks the first time that a Commonwealth country has produced a current year coin with a former reigning Monarch as the effigy. In addition, a Five-Dollar Silver Coin commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War, a 50-Cent Sterling Silver Six-Coin Set, a series that honours the major Canadian battles of the Second World War, and a Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Set that marks 60 Years of Liberation: The Netherlands and Canada are also being offered. "The deep military roots of Dartmouth-Halifax and Nova Scotia provided an ideal backdrop for the launch of the Victory Anniversary Nickel", said Michael Savage, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour. "How appropriate that this commemorative design will begin its journey across Canada from Halifax, a city with one of the highest concentration of Veterans, per capita." The aforementioned coins and many others are available by visiting the Mint's website at www.mint.ca or by calling 1-800-267-1871, as well as through the 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 more information, please contact Pam Aung Thin Vice-President Communications Tel: (613) 993-5092 Tel: (613) 991-5342 Cellular: (613) 220-5096 Aungthin@mint.ca Backgrounder 2005 Victory Anniversary Nickel History of the Design The 2005 Victory Anniversary Nickel is a representation of the famous original "Victory" coin design by Mint Master Engraver Thomas Shingles. This design was used between 1943 and 1945 and featured a "V" symbol, which represented Winston Churchill's famous "V" for victory sign as well as the Roman numeral. A flamed torch was the centre of the design and is symbolic of sacrifice. All of the design elements together on one coin convey the message that victory comes by sacrifice and willingness to work. The original design also featured an International Code (or Morse Code) message meaning "We Win When We Work Willingly" along the outer edge of the coin. Historical Composition Nickel was an important component of stainless steel and other alloys needed for producing coins. Its use was suspended in 1942. The new composition that followed was 88 per cent copper and 12 per cent zinc, which was known as Tombac. The "Tombac" coins circulated between 1942 and 1944, and were given their twelve-sided shape, so that the five-cent coin would not be confused with the one-cent piece when it tarnished. War demands for copper and zinc forced the suspension of the use of Tombac. The composition of the five-cent coin was changed in 1944 through1945 to nickel plated steel, which was a steel core that had an electrochemical coating of nickel. Interestingly, Plated Steel was re-introduced again in 2001 for the one, five, ten, twenty-five and fifty-cent coins. Availability Canadians can look for the 2005 Victory Anniversary Nickel in their change beginning May 4th, 2005. Up to 60 million coins will go into circulation. Once these coins have been distributed, the traditional beaver design will be resumed. Coin Specifications Victory Anniversary Nickel Circulation Coin Face value: 5 cents Mintage: Market demand, circulation Finish: circulation Composition: Nickel Plated Steel: 94.5% steel, 3.5% copper and 2.5% nickel plating Weight (g): 3.95 Diameter (mm): 21.2 Thickness (mm): 1.76 Edge: Plain Artist: Thomas Shingles
