Real meteorite lands on Royal Canadian Mint collector coin

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Jun 26, 2018, 03:00 ET

Just in time for the 150th Anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

TORONTO, June 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - The Royal Canadian Mint has created a truly out-of-this-world collectible by adding a genuine meteorite fragment to limited edition silver coins marking the 150^th anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. This vividly illustrated coin, unveiled at a special ceremony in Toronto attended by RASC officials and former Canadian astronaut Dave Williams. It is available for purchase as of today.

From left: Former Canadian astronaut Dr. Dave Williams, Royal Canadian Mint President & CEO Sandra Hanington, University of Toronto Professor Emeritus Dr. John Percy, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Executive Director Randy Attwood and RASC President Colin Haig unveil a silver collector coin celebrating the 150th anniversary of the RASC (Toronto, June 26, 2018). (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)

2018 $20 Fine Silver Coin - 150th Anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)

2018 $20 Fine Silver Coin - 150th Anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (Side view) (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)

"One hundred and fifty years of research, education and discovery by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is an engaging story to share with Canadians," said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "It is only fitting that RASC's many scientific achievements be recognized on a vividly coloured coin, which breaks barriers of its own by featuring a shard of a real meteorite."

Designed by Canadian artist Alexandra Lefort, the reverse design of this coin features a deep space vista enhanced by engraved textural details and full colour. Prominent design elements include the Eagle Nebula and its pillars of interstellar gas and dust, which are known as the Pillars of Creation. Also featured are the Moon, the Andromeda Galaxy (nearest to our own) and a blazing meteorite, enhanced by a genuine iron meteorite fragment from the Campo del Cielo meteorite field.

"The RSAC is excited to be celebrating our 150^th anniversary with the issuance of a coin that symbolically depicts the important contributions of Canadian astronomers," said Randy Attwood, executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

The 2018 $20 Fine Silver Coin – 150th Anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has a limited mintage of 5,500 and retails for $149.95. It can be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. The coin will soon be available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and 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 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. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit. www.mint.ca

Images of this coin are available at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tgrcc73blm2wt9e/AACV489CxVrB6wIRErSgVl5aa?dl=0

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint