Royal Canadian Mint adds a shine to Calgary Stampede centennial celebration with special edition silver dollar

CALGARY, AB, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The centennial of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is cause to celebrate Alberta's rich cultural heritage and the Royal Canadian Mint is delighted to join the party by issuing a special edition, 99.99 per cent pure silver dollar immortalizing the Calgary Stampede.  This beautifully crafted collector coin is a sparkling tribute to a uniquely Canadian tradition, made world-famous for its spectacular celebration of the culture and spirit of the old west.

"Whether Canadians have the opportunity to attend the Calgary Stampede for its centennial, the Royal Canadian Mint's newest proof silver dollar coin offers a unique chance to celebrate this milestone event," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.  "The Mint is proud to add this milestone in Stampede history to a growing list of collector coins which promote and preserve Canada's history, culture and values."

"Canadians take great pride in their heritage and for 100 years, the Calgary Stampede has been a unique celebration of Western Canadian culture and tradition," said Deepak Obhrai, Member of Parliament for Calgary East.  "The Government of Canada congratulates the Royal Canadian Mint in capturing the true spirit of the Stampede and sharing this anniversary with the rest of Canada."

"It is an honour that the Royal Canadian Mint created a silver dollar coin to commemorate the Calgary Stampede's centennial year," says Deanne Carson, Vice-President of Marketing and External Relations, Calgary Stampede. "The Stampede has become a cultural touchstone in Canada and around the world; it is an event that everyone can take part in."

Since working cowboy and vaudeville performer Guy Weadick convinced four Calgary ranchers to help him launch the first "Frontier Days and Cowboy Championship Contest"  in 1912, the festival which became known as the Calgary Stampede has hosted millions of visitors in a uniquely Canadian celebration of the romance and culture of the old west. That spirit comes alive on a coin designed by artist Steve Hepburn, who has produced a powerful and compelling depiction of the Stampede's classic bronco riding event.

The frosted image of a cowboy resolutely fighting to control his fiercely bucking horse leaps out against a gleaming silver background.  It is a textbook illustration of the words "Calgary Stampede", which also appear on the coin in a Western typeface evoking the look of an old-time rodeo poster.  Limited to a world-wide mintage of only 10,000 coins, this precious collectible retails for $69.95 CAD.

Canada Post outlets in Calgary and across Canada are carrying this exciting new collector coin, as is the Royal Canadian Mint's network of official distributors in Canada and abroad.  This and many other Mint collector products are also available directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, on the Internet at www.mint.ca, or at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver.

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 this newest Royal Canadian Mint collector coin are available by visiting ftp://communications:[email protected].

Christine Aquino
Director, Communications
Royal Canadian Mint
Telephone: [phone]
Cell: [phone]
[email protected]