Official presentation of the Mint's CN Tower collector coin and opening of "Coin Monday" activities
OTTAWA, March 13, 2006 -- The Royal Canadian Mint today officially
presented its 2006 Architectural Treasures CN Tower collector coin celebrating
the 30th anniversary of Canada's world-famous landmark. The coin features an
image of the tower and includes hologram technology. This aesthetically
striking coin was officially unveiled during a brief presentation at the CN
Tower.
The Royal Canadian Mint also hosted "Coin Monday", offering CN Tower
visitors of all ages an interactive and educational coin workshop. Held in
collaboration with the Bank of Canada, family and friends learned about a
wealth of coin-related topics, including the history of coins, how to start a
coin collection, how coins are made, and how to make a piggy bank.
"The CN Tower, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is a defining symbol of
Canadian achievement and innovation. Fittingly, this visually striking coin
was created using innovative techniques that faithfully capture the stunningly
beautiful Toronto skyline with the CN Tower as its awe-inspiring centrepiece",
said Marguerite F. Nadeau, Q.C., Acting President and C.E.O. of the Royal
Canadian Mint.
The 99.99% pure silver CN Tower collector coin showcases a unique
photographic hologram technique, which gives the coin its striking,
aesthetically appealing features. The hologram technique produces a three-
dimensional image, created by photographic methods, which can be seen without
special viewing devices. The CN Tower coin is the second issue in the
Architectural Treasure series, following the 2006 Notre Dame Basilica of
Montreal coin, also featuring the unique photographic hologram technique.
The 2006 Architectural Treasures CN Tower collector coin can be purchased
at the CN Tower's gift shop, or directly from the Mint by calling
1-800-267-1871 in Canada, or 1-800-268-6468 in the US, by visiting the Mint's
online boutique at www.mint.ca, by visiting the Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and
Winnipeg, or through the Royal Canadian Mint's global network of dealers and
distributors. The coin is available for $69.95 CND.
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. 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.
CN Tower, Canada's National Tower, defines the Toronto skyline and at
553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 in.) it is the World's Tallest Freestanding Tower, an
architectural triumph and engineering Wonder of the Modern World. With
breathtaking views from 3 observation levels including the Glass Floor, Look
Out and SkyPod, theatre, rides, arcade, shopping and a first class award-
winning dining and event centre, Toronto's must see attraction celebrates 30
years in 2006!
BACKGROUNDER
2006 ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES-CN TOWER COLLECTOR COIN
History
The CN Tower is Toronto's defining landmark. At 553.33 m (1,815 ft 5 in),
it is the tallest building in the world. The CN Tower took 1,537 workers 40
months to build.
Once the graceful tower was complete, the steel broadcasting antenna was
put into place. Each section of the antenna was raised by helicopter and
secured into position by workmen who were standing on a 1.5 m (5 ft) diameter
platform more than (450 m) 1,500 ft in the air.
At the outset, Canadian National built the CN Tower to send transmission
signals far above the skyscrapers that were built during the 1960s. With
microwave receptors at 338 m (1,109 ft) and a broadcasting antenna at 553 m
(1,815 ft), Torontonians would enjoy some of the clearest reception in North
America. But the towering architecture quickly surpassed this achievement as
the tower was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
From the moment it opened its doors on June 26, 1976, the CN Tower has
reigned as one of Canada's premier entertainment destinations. The CN Tower is
celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2006.
Design
The CN Tower image featured on the collector coin was designed by Royal
Canadian Mint artist, Jianping Yan. The image was transferred onto the coin
using a unique photographic hologram technique, which produces a three-
dimensional image, that can be seen without special viewing devices.
The hologram image consists of a striking reproduction of the Toronto
skyline with the CN Tower as the dominant landmark. The image vividly shows
the CN Tower surrounded by downtown skyscrapers lighting up the city, as
lightning emanating from a cloud filled sky strikes down while the sun's rays
attempt to penetrate through in the background. The obverse features the
portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
The coin was conceived to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the CN Tower.
Availability
The 99.99% pure silver CN Tower collector coin is the second issue in the
Royal Canadian Mint's Architectural Treasures series, following the 2006 Notre
Dame Basilica of Montreal hologram coin. The 2006 Architectural Treasures CN
Tower collector coin can be purchased at the CN Tower's gift shop, or directly
from the Mint by calling 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, or 1-800-268-6468 in the
US, by visiting the Mint's online boutique at www.mint.ca, by visiting the
Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, or through the Royal Canadian Mint's
global network of dealers and distributors. The coin is available for $69.95
CND.
Coin Specifications
2006 Architectural Treasures CN Tower
Item number: 623166
UPC: 6-23932-23166-5
Face value: 20 dollars
Mintage: 15,000
Finish: Proof
Composition: 99.99% silver
Weight (g): 31.39 g
Diameter (mm): 38 mm
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Jianping Yan
Certificate Serialized
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. 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.
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For further information:
Anthony Kissmate
Manager, Communications
Tel.: (613) 949-6370
Fax: (613) 991-2628
Cellular: (613) 884-6370
E-mail: kissmate@mint.ca
