Several 2008-dated Canadian coins will soon be pulled from the Royal Canadian Mint’s inventory and unavailable, the Mint told customers in an e-mail alert last week.
The Mint has made assurances that there is ample coins available, but that collectors must purchase the following five coins before their "off sale date of July 22."
2008 $20 Fine Silver Coin — Crystal Raindrop
This unique coin is the first from the Mint to incorporate both color and crystal applications. It features a green colored maple leaf with a crystal raindrop dripping from its edge.
The CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Element provides a captivating eye-catcher to the 99.99% pure silver coin. Limited to a maximum 15,000 coins, the coins sell for $89.95 CAD.
Visit the Mint’s coin information page to learn more or order.
2008 25-Cent Coloured Coin — Northern Cardinal
These nickel plated steel 25-cent coins feature a beautifully colored image of the northern cardinal bird (Cardinalis cardinalis). The bright red male can be seen year round against a background of snow in the winter or green leaves in the summer.
With a habitat ranging from southeastern Canada to Eastern Mexico, the bird is well-known to most North Americans. The cardinal coin sells for $24.95 CAD.
Visit the Mint’s coin information page to learn more or order.
2008 $1 Fine Gold Coin — Louis d’or aux deux L
In an homage to the French history of a major portion of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint issued the Louis d’or aux deux L coin. Parts of Canada, and of North America for that matter, were under the control of France for centuries.
As such, many coins were shipped from Europe to the New World to facilitate trade. While some coins were lost to the hazards of the ocean, the Louis d’or aux deux L, issued between 1720 and 1723 is believed to have arrived and used for commerce. The 99.99% pure gold coin is limited to 10,000 units and sells for $124.95 CAD.
Visit the Mint’s coin information page to learn more or order.
2008 $20 Fine Silver Coin — The Royal Hudson
Starting the Mint’s Great Canadian Locomotives series is the Royal Hudson 99.99% pure silver coin. The 1938 locomotive was built by Canadian Pacific and the number 2850 unit would serve as the royal transportation for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth when they visited Canada in 1939.
To spruce up the semi-streamlined engine, a stainless steel boiler jacket was installed and the locomotive was painted silver and royal blue.
The 2850 would set a record when it transported the royals on their tour of 4,921 km (3,061 miles) without a change of locomotive. The proof quality coin sells for $69.95 CAD.
Visit the Mint’s coin information page to learn more or order.
2008 $30 Sterling Silver Coin — IMAX
Celebrating a Canadian innovation in entertainment technology, the Mint is offering the IMAX Coin. First introduced 40 years ago, the IMAX experience combined the clearest and brightest motion picture images with digital surround sound.
Innovators themselves, the Mint has utilized a new technique which applies color onto a hologram, creating a unique effect. The 92.5% silver coin sells for $84.95.
Visit the Mint’s coin information page to learn more or order.
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.
