Royal Canadian Mint Launches First Collector Coins of 2009

Ottawa, Ontario – The Royal Canadian Mint today [January 9] released its first new collector coins and gift products of 2009, choosing the centennial of flight in Canada as the theme of its highly anticipated 2009 Proof Silver Dollar.

This coin leads a formation of annual releases consisting of $100, $200 and $300 face value gold issues, as well as proof, uncirculated and specimen coin sets celebrating popular and meaningful themes. The Mint’s fine silver version of the Historical Commerce Collection, "new look" gift sets and new greeting card coins complete the line-up. 

"The Royal Canadian Mint continues to stand out among the world’s mints by producing collector coins of striking appearance and exceptional quality," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The first collector coins of 2009 are shining examples of our passion for crafting coins of outstanding beauty and value for buyers from across Canada and around the world."

Below are the featured products being introduced.

2009 PROOF SILVER DOLLAR – 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLIGHT IN CANADA (1909-2009)

Canadian history was made 100 years ago on the surface of a frozen Nova Scotia lake as the Silver Dart, Canada’s first successful flying machine, celebrated its maiden flight on February 23, 1909. 

From its proving grounds in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Alexander Graham Bell’s Aerial Experiment Association laid the groundwork for a century of Canadian distinction in the field of aeronautics. 

The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to showcase Canada’s many flying icons, from the Silver Dart to Canada’s Snowbirds, on a beautifully contrasting proof silver coin.

Designed by Ontario artist Jason Bouwman, this sterling silver dollar features an image of a young person running with arms spread like an airplane’s wings, symbolizing humanity’s timeless dream of flight. 

In the background, the silhouettes of the Silver Dart, the Avro Arrow and a "Snowbird" Tutor Jet, illustrate Canada rich aeronautic engineering legacy. A close look at the overall design also reveals the ingeniously composed image of our beloved maple leaf.

Limited to a mintage of 50,000, the 2009 Proof Silver Dollar is available for $47.95 CDN. The brilliant uncirculated version of this coin also retails for $39.95 CDN and is limited to a mintage of 30,000. 

The same design is reproduced on a selectively gold-plated proof dollar coin, which is exclusive to the Mint’s 2009 Proof Set.  Only 55,000 sets, with a suggested retail price of $99.95 CDN, are available world-wide. 

2009 $300 GOLD COIN – YUKON COAT OF ARMS

The Mint’s 2009 edition of the official $300 gold series of Coats of Arms of Canada’s provinces and territories celebrates the Yukon, home of one of the greatest gold rushes in human history.

This imposing, oversize coin is a scintillating tribute to the proud and capable people of the Yukon, as well as its vast store of natural resources. 

Officially granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1956, the Yukon Coat of Arms adorns the reverse of this proof 14-karat gold coin with a $300 face value.

Only 1,000 of these coins have been minted, each available at $1,659.95 CDN.

2009 22-KARAT GOLD AND FINE SILVER COINS – HISTORICAL COMMERCE: COAL MINING TRADE

Coal mining appears as the subject of the fifth issue in the Historical Commerce 22-karat gold coin series.

Since Canada’s first commercial coal mine opened in Cape Breton’s Port Morien in 1720, coal has fuelled the development of Canada and of industries around the world.

This new coin, which features a black laser-etched accent highlighting a carload of coal, is sure to attract those who are attracted to finely engraved gold coins, as much as those who appreciate premium coins with a touch of new technology.

This proof-quality 22-karat gold coin is limited to a mintage of 4,000.

With a face value of $200, it is composed of 91.67% gold and 8.33% silver and retails for $697.95 CDN.

Its $20 fine silver sibling, popular with collectors of 99.99% pure silver coins, is limited to a world-wide mintage of 10,000 and is offered at $74.95 CDN.

2009 14-KARAT GOLD COIN – 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF NUNAVUT (1999-2009)

Another anniversary graces the reverse of the Mint’s 2009 $100 gold coin. It is now 10 years since the people of Nunavut celebrated the creation of Canada’s newest territory. 

The drum dance skillfully illustrated by Pangnirtung, Nunavut artist Andrew Qappik evokes the jubilation that reigned when the territory was officially declared on April 1, 1999.

The faces of an Inuit elder, adult and youth represent the generations which are the key to Nunavut’s heritage and future.

This coin is limited to a worldwide mintage of 5,000 and retails for $419.95 CDN.

2009 SPECIMEN SET – GREAT BLUE HERON

The image of a Great Blue Heron in full flight resides on the limited-edition aureate dollar coin featured in the 2009 Specimen Set.

This is the only Mint coin set to include this limited-edition one-dollar coin gracefully designed by Saskatchewan artist Chris Jordison.

Also included are all of Canada’s traditional circulation coins (except the Common Loon dollar) in a unique specimen finish.

The limited worldwide mintage for this set is 40,000, and it is available for $47.95 CDN.

2009 COMMEMORATIVE COIN SETS – PAINTED 25-CENT COINS

The Mint has redesigned its "Oh! Canada" and "Welcoming Baby" 25-cent painted commemorative coins, exclusively available as individual centerpieces of popular annual uncirculated coin sets.

The unique 25-cent coins appear through a die-cut in the cover of the collection folder. Each set retails for $19.95 CDN.

New for 2009 is a series of greeting card coins. Reflecting a common theme of Canadiana, these lasting reminders of life’s special moments are offered in four special cards: Surprise Birthday; Share the excitement; Share the love; and Thank you. Each memorable greeting card coin retails for $9.95 CDN.   

The Royal Canadian Mint has also introduced a 2009 uncirculated set limited to a worldwide mintage of 65,000 sets, available for $22.95 CDN.

All of the Mint’s products 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 the Royal Canadian Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2000 certified company, the 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.

The Mint is an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and has undertaken to produce the most extensive circulation coin program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by any mint worldwide, while also offering limited mintage collector coins and sets. Visit www.mint.ca/2010 for Vancouver 2010 keepsakes and gifts.