Royal Canadian Mint to display Vancouver 2010 athlete medals

Public invited January 23-24 to view and take photographs of the medals

OTTAWA , Jan. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Two weeks before Canada hosts the world at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Royal Canadian Mint is extremely proud to display the Vancouver 2010 athlete medals at its Ottawa facility, where they were skilfully crafted by Mint engineers, engravers, die technicians, machinists and production experts.

These Vancouver 2010 athlete medals will be permanently displayed at the Mint, but for one weekend only, the general public is invited to enjoy an up-close view of the medals and take photographs.

    
    Where:    Boutique of the Royal Canadian Mint
    -----     320 Sussex Drive
              Ottawa, Ontario

    When:     Saturday, January 23, 2010
    ----      Sunday, January 24, 2010
              9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    Visitors are invited to...

    -   Admire larger-than-life designs of the Vancouver 2010 athlete medals
        uniquely depicted on the exterior of the Mint's historic Ottawa
        building

    -   View the Vancouver 2010 athlete medals and take photographs

    -   Exchange coins to receive 25-cent Olympic circulation coins
        and receive a free coin collector card (while quantities last)

    -   Enter for a chance to win a 99.99% pure silver kilo coin

    -   Learn more about the fascinating world of coin production by
        participating in a free tour of the Mint as well as take some
        time to browse for great Olympic gift ideas and memorabilia in the
        Mint's Boutique
    

The Royal Canadian Mint Boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg are the only locations outside of Vancouver where the general public can view the Vancouver 2010 medals, prior to the Games. These medals are the product of the Royal Canadian Mint's close collaboration with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and metal supplier Teck Resources Limited.

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. The Mint is an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and has undertaken to produce the most extensive circulation coin program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by any mint worldwide, while also offering limited mintage collector coins and sets. Visit www.mint.ca/2010 for Vancouver 2010 keepsakes and gifts.

For further information: Christine Aquino, Director, Communications, [phone], [email protected]