The Royal Canadian Mint released a range of new "summer blockbuster" collector coins that depict anniversaries, wildlife and other Canadian themes of historic importance.
A highlight in the wildlife category are new collector coins designed by Robert Bateman, Canada’s dean of wildlife art. Bateman’s various depictions of the moose are dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Wildlife Federation. His renditions appear on $2500 gold and $250 silver kilo coins, $300 platinum coin, a $200 gold coin and a $20 silver coin.
Visit Mint information page for details.
In the anniversary category, two new collector coins pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Coast Guard in 1962. The famed heavy icebreaker CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent appears on $20 silver coin that was designed by maritime artist Yves Bérubé. According to the Mint, it was inspired by the Bérubé’s own sighting of the Coast Guard vessel when came to rescue him from an ice-bound ship.
Additionally, available for shipment later this year but on sale now is a 25-cent coloured coin that honors the Canadian Coast Guard. It features striking images of red and white vessels and aircraft.
Visit Mint information page for details.
In another anniversary release, the $10 HMS Shannon silver coin continues the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
It features selective gold plating of a cameo of the famed ship’s figurehead.
Visit Mint information page for details.
In all, 20 new collector coins are available, a feat described by the Royal Canadian Mint as one of its most ambitious releases in 2012.
"Canada’s historic, cultural and natural heritage is one of our greatest national treasures and it is fitting that the Mint continues to preserve these priceless elements of our identity on so many captivating collector coins," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
Other newly issued Canadian 2012 collector coins and products for the summer include:
- the second issue of $20 fine silver coin from the Group of Seven series featuring Arthur Lismer’s Nova Scotia Fishing Village;
- a new "Crystal Dew Drop" $20 fine silver coin featuring the Rhododendron;
- a new 1/25 oz Gold Coin celebrating the 150th anniversary of British Columbia’s Cariboo Gold Rush;
- the $10 Fine Silver Praying Mantis featuring the work of the 2012 Canadian Geographic Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner;
- the special edition silver Loonie celebrating the 25th anniversary of Canada’s one-dollar circulation coin;
- a new scallop-shaped, 99.999% pure gold Blessings of Good Fortune coin featuring the Giant Panda and the newest Fine Silver Maple of Good Fortune with hologram;
- the new $1 and $2 Circulation Security Test Token Set;
- the 2012 Special Edition Specimen Set featuring Wolf Cubs; and
- the 2012 Holiday Gift Set designed by renowned Canadian graphic artist Gary Taxali, whose signature work can also be found on the Mint’s annual gift sets and Tooth Fairy coin card.
Each of the above listed 2012 Canadian collector coins may be ordered online at www.mint.ca or at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the United States. They are also available directly from coin dealers and Canadian distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
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 9001-2008 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.
