OTTAWA, April 28, 2006 -- Following the launch of its 2006 Breast
Cancer coloured 25-cent circulation coin, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) issued
today its latest collector products. Commemorative coins depicting the
Canadarm and Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield, as well as Canada's
National War Memorial, are at the centre of the collection. The Mint's 2005
Annual Report, which displays a limited edition Victory Anniversary Nickel on
its cover, is also available to collectors.
"The Royal Canadian Mint's newest collection incorporates Mint hallmarks
that have made it a global leader in minting, including artistic beauty,
innovative technology, emotional and meaningful themes, and superior quality,"
said Marguerite F. Nadeau, Q.C., Acting President and C.E.O. of the Royal
Canadian Mint.
Here are the featured products found in Mint's newest line of
collectibles.
2006 CANADIAN ACHIEVEMENTS-CANADARM & COL. CHRIS HADFIELD
On April 22, 2001, Colonel Chris Hadfield made history as the first
Canadian to perform a spacewalk when he installed Canadarm2 on the
International Space Station with the help of the original Canadarm.
Laser-Enhanced Gold Coin
The 14-karat gold proof coin, bearing a 300-dollar face value, is the
second in the Canadian Achievements series. It follows the sold out 2005
Standard Time coin. It depicts Col. Hadfield on his historic spacewalk with a
unique, two-colour laser design of the Canadarm in space in the background.
The coin is limited to a reduced worldwide mintage of 1,000, and is available
for $1,089.95 CND.
Sterling Silver Coin with Selective Hologram Technology
This sterling silver proof coin, bearing a 30-dollar face value, is a
silver rendition of the gold design, featuring a selective hologram of the
Canadarm in space. It has a limited worldwide mintage of 20,000, and is
available for $79.95 CND.
2006 STERLING SILVER COIN- NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL
Canada's National War Memorial, which was first erected in the aftermath
of the First World War, stands today as a tribute to all who have served - in
the past, present and future. The Memorial is Canada's contribution to
honouring its soldiers who sacrificed in the name of peace and freedom.
The coin is the first in the Mint's new National War Memorials series,
which will also include the release of a Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
coin later in 2006, honouring Newfoundland troops who fought in W.W.I., and
other coins in 2007.
The sterling silver National War Memorial coin features three of the
Memorial's 22 statues faithfully reproduced in high relief with the words
"THEY GAVE THEIR YOUTH", in both French and English, arching over them. The
coin bears a face value of 30-dollars, and has a limited worldwide mintage of
15,000. It is available for $79.95 CND.
LIMITED EDITION VICTORY ANNIVERSARY NICKEL - EXCLUSIVE TO THE 2005 ANNUAL
REPORT
This RCM's 2005 Annual Report proudly displays a limited edition Victory
Anniversary Nickel on its cover. This sterling silver 5-cent coin, which is
exclusive to the annual report, is struck in proof finish and features
selective gold plating to enhance the design. In addition, each Annual Report
is accompanied by a serialized certificate of authenticity. Only 12,000 of
these coins will be minted. The annual report is available for $24.95 CND.
The RCM also introduced other 2006 products for the collector market,
including: 2006 Tall Ships Collection coin- the Ketch ($69.95 CND); 2006
Butterfly Collection coin- Short-Tailed Swallowtail coin ($39.95 CND); and
2006 National Historic Sites coin- Fortress of Louisbourg ($49.95 CND). In
addition, appealing to the gift market, the Mint issued three new 2006 gift
products: a 25-cent coloured Canada Day Coin ($9.95 CND), a Commemorative Baby
Sterling Silver Coin Set ($79.95 CND), and a Baby Keepsake Tins and Silver
dollar ($34.95 CND).
In early April, the Mint also issued several Breast Cancer related
collector and gift market products, including a special wrap circulation coin
roll ($14.95 CND); a first day cover ($15.95 CND); a test token set ($49.95
CND); a fine silver pink ribbon coin ($59.95 CND); and a coin-imbedded
bookmark with a pink ribbon lapel pin ($13.95 CND). For each bookmark sold,
the RCM will make a $1 contribution to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
All coins feature the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by
Susanna Blunt on the obverse.
All of the Mint's products are available directly from the Mint by
calling 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, or 1-800-268-6468 in the US, by visiting the
Mint online 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.
Images and product details of the Mint's newest collection are available
by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2006@ftp.mint.ca.
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For further information:
Anthony Kissmate
Manager, Communications
Tel.: (613) 949-6370
Tel.: (613) 991-5342
Fax: (613) 991-2628
Cellular: (613) 884-6370
E-mail: kissmate@mint.ca
