Royal Canadian Mint coins celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited Canada while honouring other icons of Canadian nature, culture and history

Coloured male and female Mallards on coins honouring Ducks Unlimited Canada are joined by other nature subjects such as the Bald Eagle; American Robin; Twelve-Spotted Skimmer dragonfly and Blue flag Iris.  Canada's Maple Leaf Tartan appears in a new 50-cent product as other popular series continue

OTTAWA, March 6, 2013 /CNW/ - The Mint is making a splash with a new series of fine silver coins adding a precious touch to the celebration of the 75^th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited Canada. The popular combination of colour and silver, as well as coloured cupro-nickel alloy makes a return on coins which vividly capture the splendour of Canada's wildlife, which is also the inspiration behind new coins such as the 1/25 oz pure gold Bald Eagle and a coloured fine silver Blue Flag Iris "crystal dew drops" coin.  Canada's Official National Tartan is also celebrated in a special 50-cent circulation coin set as the limited edition 50-cent circulation coin roll returns for 2013.  Several popular series continue, including a fine silver $4 Heroes of the War of 1812 honouring Charles de Salaberry, as the 200^th anniversary of the war that shaped Canada from 1812 to 1815 continues to be commemorated.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to celebrate the beauty and history of Canada by continuing to craft collector coins which stand out for their variety, their quality and their innovation," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.  "The diversity of themes found on our coins reminds us of the importance of preserving our heritage and also gives coin buyers endless opportunities to collect exceptional works of numismatic art."

To kick off its celebration of the 75^th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Mint has launched a $10 face value, 99.99% pure silver coin in vivid, colourful detaial, by celebrated wildlife artist Trevor Tennant, of male and female Mallards in their wetland habitat.  The artist has also captured this iconic pair on a tranquil lake on a coloured 25-cent cupro-nickel coin. The male or "Drake" is instantly recognized by his bright green head and bright yellow bill, while the female's brownish plumage is richly enhanced by a brilliant band of indigo on the upper back edge of her wings.  Colourful coins celebrating the Pintail and Wood ducks will follow the Mallard in 2013, and also be offered as part of a subscription of three fine silver coins. Included with this unique subscription will be a "Buck Brush Double" duck call, laser-engraved with the Royal Canadian Mint logo.

Nature combines with technology to produce two new coins featuring some of the Mint's most popular innovations.  The first is a $10 fine silver coin dedicated to the Twelve-Spotted Skimmer, which launches an exciting new coin series of coloured dragonflies set in holograms.  As well, the Mint's popular crystal-enhanced, floral-themed $20 fine silver coins return with a striking rendition of the Blue Flag Iris by botanical artist Celia Godkin.  The soft blue-mauve petals of this spectacular flower glisten with three Swarovski crystals simulating morning dew drops.  Once famously painted by Vincent Van Gogh, this flower is prominent in Canada, ranging Manitoba to Newfoundland, and is also the provincial flower of Quebec.

Another important symbol is Canada's official tartan pattern known as the Maple Leaf Tartan.  Designed for Canada's Centennial celebrations in 1967, the green, gold, red and brown stripes represent the maple leaf's varied colours through our changing seasons. Proud Canadians can now collect a genuine piece of that tartan, along with an uncirculated 2013 50-cent circulation coin in an innovative set celebrating Every Day Canada.  On a more traditional note, the annual 50-cent circulation coin roll returns in a limited edition paper wrap emblazoned with a colourful Canadian Coat of Arms.

Other products available for order today include:

• a 1/25 oz. pure gold coin with a 50-cent face value, featuring the Bald Eagle;
• a new 25-cent coloured cupro-nickel coin celebrating the American Robin, from the highly collectable Birds of Canada series;
• a $10 fine silver Royal Canadian Mounted Police coin from the O Canada Series.
• the fourth $20 fine silver coin from the quick selling Group of Seven series featuring Franz Johnston's The Guardian of the Gorge;
• and the newest $4 fine silver coin from the Heroes of the War of 1812 series, commemorating Charles-Michel de Salaberry, revered as the "Hero of Châteauguay".

Mintages, pricing and full background information on each product can be found on the "Shop" tab of www.mint.ca.  These finely crafted coins are available for order now from the Mint and will ship to customers beginning on March 12, 2013.

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 will also be 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

Alex Reeves
Senior Manager, Communications
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