Royal Canadian Mint's Winnipeg facility brings back popular display of
Vancouver 2010 athlete medals and launches 2010 Lucky Loonie

Public invited February 12-13 to once again view medals, take photographs and participate in 2010 Lucky Loonie coin exchange

OTTAWA , Feb. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - After an incredible response to the first showing of the Vancouver 2010 athlete medals at its Winnipeg facility, the Royal Canadian Mint is bringing out the medals for another up-close display in concert with the launch of the 2010 Lucky Loonie and the start of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

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

The Royal Canadian Mint is also hosting a coin exchange for the general public. Be among the first to obtain this special coin, which will be a good luck charm for Canada's Olympic and Paralympic teams competing at the Vancouver Games.

    
    Where: Boutique of the Royal Canadian Mint
           520 Lagimodière Boulevard

           Winnipeg, Manitoba

    When:  February 12 and 13, 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 Winnipeg building

    -   View the Vancouver 2010 athlete medals and take photographs

    -   Exchange coins to receive the 2010 Lucky Loonie

    -   Learn more about the fascinating world of coin production by touring
        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. 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: Crystal Hiebert, Communications Officer, [phone], [email protected]