Canadian history and identity stand out on new Royal Canadian Mint collector coins

The unfolding story of the 100th anniversary of the First World War continues to be told on new silver coin as other collectibles celebrate the many facets of our heritage

OTTAWA, Feb. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - In observance of the 100th anniversary of the First World War, the Mint is issuing a new $10 fine silver coin commemorating the mobilization of Canadian troops who fought for our freedom and values in Europe between 1914 and 1918.  As it continues to celebrate Canada's culture and heritage, the Mint is also launching a number of precious and base metal coins featuring captivating designs and innovative technological enhancements.  Among these new products are creations by renowned artist Tim Barnard and multi-talented Quebec celebrity Caroline Néron, accompanied by exciting portrayals of Canada's legendary nature, including strikingly enameled snowy owl gold and silver kilo coins and a new "glow-in-the-dark" Prehistoric Creatures coin.

"The Mint is proud to produce collector coins which showcase the creativity of Canadians while telling the countless stories of our nation," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.  "Through exquisite craftsmanship and design, and innovative uses of technology, the Mint's collector coins never fail to create unforgettable keepsakes of the Canadian experience."

The Royal Canadian Mint is remembering the service and sacrifice of our veterans of the First World War, and their families and compatriots, through a growing collection of coins which will capture different perspectives of a conflict which forever altered the course of Canadian and world history. A new $10 fine silver coin commemorates "The Mobilisation of Our Nation" with a stirring design by artist Maskul Lasserre, evoking a soldier's view of a Canadian Expeditionary Force comrade walking ahead on the gangway of the troop ship that will transport them to the battlefields of Europe. Crafted of 99.99% pure silver, this coin also features a matte proof finish.

As our athletes get ready to make sporting history at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Mint has issued a 99.99% pure silver collector version of the 2014 Lucky Loonie.  Emblazoned with a full-colour of the Canadian Olympic Team, the reverse of this coin features a common loon poised for flight, in an inspiring design by Canadian artist Emily Damstra.

Thought-provoking stories of Canada are often conveyed through the eyes of its artists, and this is vividly demonstrated on exciting new 2 oz. pure gold coin and fine silver coins designed by famed Canadian contemporary artist Tim Barnard.  The complex and often chaotic imagery which typifies his black and white drawings and paintings finds a new home on a design which incorporates 50 distinct elements symbolizing "Canada Through the Eyes of Tim Barnard".  The impressive numismatic artworks are sure to delight and intrigue collectors as they decipher his intensely iconic and personal view of our country.

Another uniquely personal expression of the artist's perspective can be found on a selectively gold-plated fine silver coin enhanced with Swarovski crystals, designed by celebrated Quebec actor, singer and jewelry designer Caroline Néron.  The stark image of a leafless tree, highlighted by selective gold plating and surrounded by five shimmering Swarovski crystals, stands out against the whiteness of a proof silver field evoking the desolate beauty of winter in its simplest forms. Engraved initials in the artist's own handwriting finish off a dramatic keepsake which can become a perfect gift for a loved one, and even worn as a pendant using a separate bezel and black silk necklace available from the Mint.

A touch of colour adds surprising depth to new gold and silver kilo coins from a new four-coin series celebrating the mesmerizing eyes of Canadian wildlife.  "In the Eyes of the Snowy Owl" uses bright yellow and translucent sparkling enamel, on the silver and gold coin respectively, to accentuate the most striking physical feature of this formidable hunter.  The unmistakable face of the snowy owl is the creation of established artist and coin designer Arnold Nogy.

A favourite of collectors, the "glow-in-the dark" Prehistoric Creatures 25-cent coin is back with a tribute to Tiktaalik rosae, designed by renowned Canadian paleoartist Julius Csotonyi.  Discovered in the Canadian Arctic in 2004 and nicknamed "the fishapod", it is considered one of the earliest fossil fish species to venture out on land.  Appearing beautifully coloured in normal daylight, Tiktaalik reveals its glowing skeletal structure under darkness thanks to the addition of a proprietary photo-luminescent paint application.

Responding to the numismatic community's growing interest in our specially-themed bullion coins, the Mint has released limited-mintage numismatic versions of coins being released in February 2014: the "Peregrine Falcon"1 oz. 99.99% pure silver coin, from a new Canadian Birds of Prey series and the first release of the Call of the Wild series of 1 oz. 99.999% pure gold bullion coins, featuring the "Howling Wolf".  These special releases can be purchased directly from the Mint's direct sales channels, as can a privy-marked 1 oz. Silver Maple Leaf released in celebration of the 2014 World Money Fair.  The privy mark features the official logo of the world's foremost gathering of the global minting community, where the Mint perennially exhibits and markets its exceptional products.

Canada's abundant nature continues to figure prominently among the Mint's popular collector coins, which include new releases such as:

• The majestic 5 oz. proof-finished fine silver coin featuring iconic Canadian maple leaves;
• The 2014 25-cent coloured coin celebrating the Eastern Meadowlark;
• "The Bison: A Portrait" -the first issue of a new series of edge-lettered $20 fine silver coins featuring the largest land animal in North America; and
• $10 fine silver and $5 pure gold coins honouring the grizzly bear, from the 2014 O Canada series (available by subscription, the $5 gold series can be collected in a four-coin wooden case).

Mintages, pricing and full background information on each product can be found on the "Shop" tab of www.mint.ca.

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 are also 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