OTTAWA, May 25, 2006 -- Acting President and CEO of the Royal
Canadian Mint, Marguerite F. Nadeau, Q.C., is pleased to announce that the
2004 coloured poppy circulation coin has been named the Most Innovative
Circulation Coin at the Mint Directors' Conference (MDC) in Paris, France.
"In 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint became a trailblazer when it introduced
the world's first coloured circulation coin, « said Ms. Nadeau. "The poppy coin
was one of the most unique coins in the world and it featured a distinctive
symbol that Canadians embrace and are extremely proud of."
The 25-cent poppy coin was produced at the Mint's Winnipeg plant, using a
high-speed, computer controlled and precision inkjet process. The coin
featured a brilliant red poppy, the symbol of remembrance that pays homage to
the brave Canadian men and women who gave their lives in service to this
nation, as well as the many veterans who helped to secure our freedom. Thirty
million coins went into circulation in October, 2004.
In March 2006, the Mint introduced its second coloured circulation coin.
The 25-cent coin features the iconic pink ribbon, the symbol of hope and
awareness in the effort to create a future without breast cancer. The Mint
improved the colorization process and remains the only mint in the world to
produce coloured circulation coins.
The MDC was created in 1962 and meets biennially. It is comprised of the
national mints of 43 countries worldwide. This year's meeting was held
May 1-7, 2006, with the theme Benchmarking for the future.
The meeting includes the MDC Coin Competition, which honours coins in
such categories as most beautiful and innovative in the gold, silver and
circulation coin categories. Entry into the competition is open to only MDC
Official Member Mints. The winning poppy coin received 57% of votes cast in
the most innovative circulation coin category, with the next closest
competitor receiving 13%.
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.
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For further information:
Christine Aquino
Senior Manager of Corporate Communications
Tel.: (613) 993-9999, (613) 991-5342
E-mail: aquino@mint.ca
