Young Ontarian selected as designer of Canada 150 circulation coin

Royal Canadian Mint unveils 2017 coin designed by Richmond Hill's Joelle Wong, one of five winners of the My Canada, My Inspiration contest

RICHMOND HILL, 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 Joelle Wong, created when she was eight years old, which will grace the reverse (or tails) side of the 2017 25-cent circulation coin.

"I love animals and green spaces and that gave me the idea of showing my hope for Canada's future in a painting that celebrates the importance of our nature and native Canadian culture," said Joelle Wong. "It's amazing that so many Canadians liked my way of wishing a happy birthday to my beautiful homeland — Canada!"

"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."

Joelle Wong worked with one of her teachers to research Canadian wildlife and indigenous art techniques to develop her painting of animals commonly represented in aboriginal culture.  A turtle, bird and beaver, all decorated with aboriginal patterns, are reaching for a plant growing out of a pair of hands to symbolize how we are all connected in protecting Canada's nature.

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, Ms. Wong's design won the popular vote among five finalists in the running for the coin celebrating Canada's Future.

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. Joelle Wong of Richmond Hill, Ontario designed the 25-cent coin called Hope for a Green Future. All five Canada 150 coin denominations will enter circulation in the spring of 2017. (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161102_C2255_PHOTO_EN_810518.jpg

Christine Aquino, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Royal Canadian Mint, Telephone: [phone], [email protected]