Royal Canadian Mint's first collector coins of 2014 herald a historic year

100th anniversary of the Declaration of the First World War, Quebec and Charlottetown Conferences figure among several historical turning points to be commemorated in 2014

OTTAWA, Jan. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - As Canadians prepare to observe historic milestones in 2014 the Royal Canadian Mint is launching an impressive variety of new collector coins whose themes capture Canada's coming of age, as well as prized symbols of our national identity.  In addition to dedicating its 2014 Silver Dollar products to the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the First World War, the Mint is celebrating another nation-building milestone with the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences, and paying tribute to Samuel de Champlain as it continues its Great Canadian Explorers $200 gold coin series. Skate Canada's 100th anniversary, as well as other Canadian icons, cultural symbols and popular coins sets also help ring in the New Year.

"The Mint takes great pride in reflecting the richness of Canada's history, culture and values through an annual collector coin offering which is second to none in terms of its variety, craftsmanship and innovation," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.  "Stories of turning points in our history or cherished icons of our national identity are powerful themes which we are proud to share with Canadians and customers from around the world."

The Royal Canadian Mint is joining Canadians in remembering the service and sacrifice of our veterans of the First World War and their families by dedicating its 2014 Silver Dollar products to the 100th anniversary of Canada's decision to join the Allied declaration of war against Germany on August 19, 1914. Officially unveiled at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on January 13, 2014, the 2014 Proof Silver Dollar features an emotional farewell portrait, by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie Ross, of recruits boarding a train to Valcartier, Quebec to prepare for war in Europe.  This compelling glimpse of a scene replayed countless times across Canada from 1914-18 can also be found on the 2014 Brilliant Uncirculated Silver Dollar and on the 2014 Fine Silver Proof Set.

As Canada marches closer to celebrating 150 years of nationhood in 2017, the Mint is commemorating a pivotal step towards Confederation by honouring the 150^th anniversary of Quebec and Charlottetown Conferences on its annual 14-Karat, $100 Gold Coin.  Spear-headed by legendary political figures such as Georges-Étienne Cartier and John A. McDonald, these conferences convinced the Fathers of Confederation that a united, sovereign Canada was possible, thus turning the dream of a Canadian nation into reality on July 1, 1867.  Using a style inspired by 19th century engravings, Quebec artist Luc Normandin has gracefully reproduced the buildings where the vision of Canada as we know it today first took shape.   

The Mint's Great Canadian Explorer $200 Gold Coin series celebrates the intrepid figures who boldly charted their own course to discover and open a new land which would someday become Canada.  For 2014, the Mint is commemorating Samuel De Champlain who, in addition to founding the city of Québec in 1608, reached Lake Huron 400 years ago after navigating the St-Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, stopping at the site of the future nation's capital along the way.  The coin features De Champlain in the company of an aboriginal guide in a classic illustration by accomplished artist and coin designer Glen Greene.       

Our cultural heritage returns to the spotlight with the celebration of a Canadian winter rite of passage on a new $10 face-value, coloured fine silver coin.  This coin is being launched as Skate Canada marks 100 years of figure skating championships in Canada in Ottawa January 9-15, 2014.  Designed by Canadian artist Tony Harris, the reverse side of the coin features a timeless scene, in full-colour, of a man teaching a young child to skate on an outdoor rink in winter.

Another side of Canadian culture is on display with a 50-cent silver-plated coin featuring 100 Blessings of Good Fortune.  The bold design of this coin celebrating the rich influence of the Canadian Chinese community consists of 100 variations of the word "fu", meaning "good fortune", arranged on 13 vertical tiers symbolizing bamboo reeds.  This striking coin is accentuated by a larger good fortune in a red enamel square.

Canada's wealth of symbols and icons is celebrated on a variety of new coins, including:

• a 50-cent Pure Gold Coin honouring the industrious beaver, through a design inspired by G.E. Kruger Gray's classic illustration found on Canada's five-cent circulation coins since 1937;
• the last issue of the $300 14KT "Provincial Coat of Arms" Gold Coin series, featuring Saskatchewan; and
• Premium-struck, reverse proof versions of our industry-leading Gold and Silver Maple Leaf bullion coins.
  
  

A new O Canada series celebrating iconic Canadian images retuns in 2014 with $25 and $10 fine silver coins celebrating the Igloo, a masterpiece of our Arctic people's ingenuity and resourcefulness.  Popular annual issues are also now in store, which include:

• the 2014 Specimen Set featuring the Ferruginous Hawk;
• the 2014 Uncirculated Set;
• the 2014 Gift Sets, returning with the themes of "Baby", "O Canada", Wedding" and "Birthday" and
• the 2014 Fine Silver Coin - Welcome to the World
  
  

Mintages, pricing and full background information on each product can be found on the "Shop" tab of www.mint.ca.

All of these products can be ordered directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. The coins are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through our 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 9001-2008 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. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca

Images of the Mint's newest collection are available by visiting ftp://communications:[email protected].

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mint