Royal Canadian Mint 25-cent circulation coin celebrates 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag

OTTAWA, JUNE 9, 2015 /CNW/ - As Canadians far and wide prepare to celebrate Canada Day, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a new 25-cent circulation coin commemorating the 50th birthday of the universally recognized Canadian flag. The coin was unveiled today at centre field in Toronto's Varsity Stadium, before the kick-off to a CFL exhibition game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"The Mint is delighted to join in the celebration of the national flag's 50th anniversary by issuing a commemorative 25-cent circulation coin which will reach Canadians living in every province and territory," said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The 50th birthday of our red and white maple leaf flag, which has blossomed into a universal symbol of Canadian pride, is a great theme for a new circulation coin and an important step in the countdown towards the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017."

Designed by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie Ross, the reverse of this new 25-cent circulation coin features an illustration of our national flag surrounded by fifty children, each of whom represent one of the flag's 50 years, as well as Canada's future. The words "50 years/ans also appear at the bottom center of the design.

Out of a total of mintage of 12.5 million coins, 6.25 million will be coloured, and an equal number will be non-coloured. They will begin circulating nationally as of June 9, 2015.  Canadians can start looking for this coin in their change, attend coin exchanges at special events in select locations across Canada and at the Mint's Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver boutiques, or obtain limited quantities through an online coin exchange at www.mint.ca/flag (limited to Canada only). 

The Mint is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag through several collector coins released in 2015, including the Proof Silver Dollar and Fine Silver Proof Set, a pure gold 50-cent coin, and a coloured $3 fine silver coin, among others.  More information on this family of products can be found at www.mint.ca.

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 this coin and other related products are available by visiting ftp://communications:[email protected].

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint