Ontarian selected as designer of Canada 150 circulation coin

Royal Canadian Mint unveils 2017 coin designed by Wesley Klassen of St. Catharines, one of five winners of the My Canada, My Inspiration contest

ST. CATHARINES, ON, Nov. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - After thousands of Canadians took part in a national contest to create circulation coin designs celebrating Canada's 150^th anniversary in 2017, the Mint is finally revealing the choice of Canadians.  As simultaneous unveiling ceremonies unfold in the communities of each winning coin designer, the Mint today unveiled the work of Wesley Klassen, which will grace the reverse (or tails) side of the 2017 one-dollar circulation coin.

"It's an amazing honour to have my artwork displayed the 2017 one-dollar coin and this will make my memories of Canada 150 that much more special for me and my family," said Wesley Klassen. "I chose images that are in one way or another connected to the railroad, for which all Canadians can be forever grateful, and I'm touched that my design appealed to so many of them."

"As the country looks forward to marking Canada's 150 birthday next year, the Government of Canada is pleased that the Mint has given Canadians a taste of celebrations to come by unveiling the designs that will change the face of our 2017 circulation coins," said the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance.  "These coins will stand the test of time as memorable keepsakes of a milestone in Canadian history."

"From the artists who shared their vision to the people who voted for their favourite designs, Canadians showed how much Canada means to them," said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.  "The My Canada, My Inspiration coin design contest captured heartfelt expressions of the spirit of Canada and the Mint is proud that our 2017 circulation coins will give Canadians new stories worth holding onto as they celebrate Canada 150."

Drawing on childhood memories of family vacations, Wesley Klassen chose to celebrate Canada's 150^th anniversary by illustrating the iconic engineering achievements which dominate our landscape from east to west — all of which is connected by railroad.  His reverse design of the 2017 $1 circulation coin features landmarks such a the Lion's Gate Bridge, a prairie grain elevator, the CN Tower,  Quebec City's majestic Chateau Frontenac Hotel and an East Coast lighthouse.

On March 11, 2015, the Mint launched a national contest inviting the public to create new designs for a 2017 circulation coin series celebrating Canada's 150^th anniversary from five theme perspectives: Our Wonders, Our Character, Our Achievements, Our Passions, and Canada's Future.  After the public cast over one million online votes, Mr. Klassen's design won the popular vote among five finalists in the running for the coin celebrating Our Achievements.

The finalists in each category were determined by the Royal Canadian Mint and a panel of notable Canadians. The winning design per category was selected by Canadians in an online vote which took place in September 2015. Each 2017-dated circulation coin denomination will feature one of the winning designs and Canadians will be able to find these coins in their change next spring. 

The Mint is also launching an extensive collector coin program in celebration of Canada 150.  Interested customers can sign up at www.mint.ca to receive the latest product news.

Images of the Canada 150 circulation coins are available at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fh5l1isv07py5ne/AAA6CelcYOIgw1ar4mI0UrXea?dl=0

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.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint

Image with caption: "The Royal Canadian Mint revealed the winning designs for the Canada 150 circulation coins on November 2, 2016. Wesley Klassen of St. Catharines, Ontario designed the one-dollar coin called Connecting a Nation. All five Canada 150 coins will enter circulation in the spring of 2017.‎ (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161102_C5263_PHOTO_EN_810561.jpg

For more information, media are asked to contact: Christine Aquino, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Royal Canadian Mint, Telephone: [phone], [email protected]