Royal Canadian Mint annual public meeting features theme of remembrance

OTTAWA, Oct. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - At its annual public meeting hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion at Legion House in Kanata, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a silver coin marking the 50^th anniversary of Canadian Peacekeeping in Cyprus and outlined its upcoming commemorations for the First and Second World Wars in 2014 and beyond.

"Canada is celebrated as an active supporter and defender of peace and this coin is a keepsake that will be treasured by those who value the men and women who have served as Peacekeepers," said Mr. Ian. E Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The Mint has long demonstrated its commitment to honoring Canada's veterans and on the eve of the centennial of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the Second World War, I am pleased to confirm that we are developing an extensive coin program to commemorate these watershed moments in Canada's history."

"Canadians have long recognized the service of Peackeepers where ever they were stationed around the world," said Mr. Gordon Moore, Dominion President of the Legion. "Tens of thousands of our Legion members served Canada in this way and with this coin we will have a daily reminder of their contributions to the freedoms we enjoy today."

The 50^th anniversary of Canadian Peacekeeping in Cyprus silver collector coin can be ordered directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca. The coin is also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

Please see attached backgrounder for further information.

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 collector coin are available by visiting
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Backgrounder

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
FEATURES THEME OF REMEMBRANCE

2014 $20 silver collector coin - 50^th Anniversary of Canadian Peacekeeping in Cyprus

Unveiled on October 7, 2013, the Royal Canadian Mint's 50^th anniversary of Canadian Peacekeeping in Cyprus collector coin is produced with 99.99% pure silver. Its design provides a privileged glimpse into a United Nations observation post and of the difficult and isolated terrain that often characterizes the world's conflict zones. The soldier standing at the base of the tower conveys the Peacekeeper's need to be constantly at the ready, while the Master Corporal in the foreground highlights the most recognizable component of the Peacekeeper's uniform—the signature blue beret rendered in coloured enamel. Designed by Toronto artist Silvia Pecota, the coin is limited to a mintage of just 8,500 worldwide and retails for $114.95.

Commemorations for the centennial of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the Second World War

As 2014 marks the centennial of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Mint is developing an all-encompassing coin program to commemorate both historical events. With so many stories and events touching Canadians on so many levels, the program will span 2014 to 2020, including both circulation and collector coins.  The Mint will deploy its skill, innovation and craftsmanship to pay a worthy tribute to all those who steadfastly defended Canada and its values, with themes such as 'The Canadian Home Front', 'Canada on the Battlefront' and 'Peace and Legacy'. The Mint's commemorations for the First and Second World Wars will support those of the Government of Canada.

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mint