OTTAWA, Sept. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - The Royal Canadian Mint is joining Canadians from coast to coast to coast in celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest reigning Sovereign in Canada's modern era.
"In addition to featuring four effigies of Her Majesty on the obverse of Canada's coins since her accession to the throne, the Mint has a long and proud history of commemorating significant Royal Family milestones," said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "These finely crafted coins are exceptional keepsakes for Canadians, royal watchers and collectors around the world to remember this remarkable event."
The Mint has produced a number of collector coins in silver and in gold to mark the historic reign of Her Majesty. Please see attached backgrounder for further information. These coins can be ordered 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 will also be available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
Since her accession to the throne, four effigies of Her Majesty have appeared on the obverse of Canada's coins. The first effigy was drawn by Mary Gillick in 1953. In 1965, Arnold Machin created a portrait of Her Majesty wearing a jewel-studded tiara. In 1990, a new royal portrait was commissioned from Dora de Pédery-Hunt, the first effigy of a reigning monarch by a Canadian artist. The current effigy was produced in 2003 by Susanna Blunt of Vancouver, British Columbia.
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
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Backgrounder
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ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COLLECTOR COINS: HISTORIC REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
$20 FINE SILVER COIN
The reverse of this coloured 99.99% pure silver coin was designed by Canadian artist Cathy Bursey Sabourin and features two cyphers sitting above a wreath of maple leaves. On the upper left of the coin is the cypher used by Her Majesty and on the upper right is a cypher that was used by Queen Victoria. Each cypher is ensigned with a crown. The motto ribbon, woven into the wreath, is inscribed with the Latin words "VIVAT REGINA", which means "LONG LIVE THE QUEEN". Limited to a mintage of 10,000, this coin retails for $99.95 CAD.
FINE SILVER MAPLE LEAF FRACTIONAL SET
All five coins in this set of 99.99% pure silver feature a reverse design by Canadian artist Donna Kriekle which showcases Canada's beloved symbol, the iconic maple leaf. Yellow and pink gold plating on the one-ounce coin add a beautiful contrast to the silver while enhancing the precision engraving. The other coins have pink gold plating on both the reverse and the obverse. The obverse pays tribute to the historic reign by featuring an effigy of Her Majesty wearing the Imperial State Crown, which was worn at the Coronation. Limited to a mintage of 7,500, this set retails for $224.95 CAD.
ROYAL SILVER COLLECTION
This rare collector set features three silver coins produced by select Commonwealth mints to mark the historic reign of Her Majesty: Great Britain (£5 silver proof coin), Australia ($5 fine silver proof coin) and Canada ($20 fine silver coin). Only 2,015 of these sets are available for $499.00 CAD + applicable taxes.
$200 PURE GOLD COIN
The reverse design of this 99.99% pure gold coin was designed by Cathy Bursey Sabourin and features the cyphers superimposed on maple leafs. The cypher of Her Majesty is on the left and the cypher of Queen Victoria is on the right. The design is ensigned by the St. Edwards crown. Retailing for $2,699.95 CAD, this coin is limited to a mintage of only 300.
PURE GOLD MAPLE LEAF FRACTIONAL SET
All coins in this 99.99% pure gold set feature a reverse design by Canadian artist Celia Godkin and showcase an engraved rendition of the maple leaf, as it is gently carried in the air by a soft autumn breeze. Different profile portraits are featured on the obverse of each coin: the one-ounce coin features a portrait of Her Majesty wearing the Imperial State Crown; the ¼-ounce coin features the effigy of 1953, as designed by Mary Gillick; the 1/10-ounce coin features the 1965 effigy by Arnold Machin; and the 1/20-ounce coin features the 1990 effigy as designed by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. A mintage of only 600 of this set has been produced, retailing for $3,999.95 CAD.
ROYAL GOLD COLLECTION
Similar to the 2015 Royal Silver Collection, this set features three coins produced by select Commonwealth mints to mark the historic reign of Her Majesty: Great Britain (£5 gold proof coin), Australia ($100 gold proof coin) and Canada ($200 pure gold coin). With a mintage of only 100 sets produced, this collector item is available for $9,499.00 CAD + applicable taxes.
Images of these coins are available by visiting
ftp://communications:[email protected].
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint
Image with caption: "From Left: Claude Bennett, Member of the Royal Canadian Mint and His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada unveil a silver collector coin in Ottawa celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest reigning Sovereign in Canada’s modern era (September 9, 2015). (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150909_C7304_PHOTO_EN_493683.jpg
media are asked to contact: Christine Aquino, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Royal Canadian Mint, Telephone: 613-993-9999, [email protected]
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