OTTAWA, - The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to honour Canada's iconic "penny" circulation coin, whose production officially ended on May 4, 2012, with an exquisite array of fine silver and gold collectibles, as well as gift products, which pay respect to the penny's unforgettable legacy as both a pillar of Canadian commerce and an integral part of our cultural history. These limited-edition products include a miniature pure gold coin; a selectively gold-plated silver coin; a five-ounce silver coin; and a five-coin set of fine silver "penny-sized" coins showcasing the evolution of one-cent circulation coin designs since the Mint first opened for business in 1908. Launch plans for the last one million pennies produced for circulation will be announced at a later date.
"After helping satisfy the needs of Canada's trade and commerce since Confederation, the Canadian penny is retiring with honour and distinction thanks in part to the launch of beautiful gold and silver collector products commemorating this historic coin," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The maple leaf design of the penny became a Canadian icon 75 years ago and we are proud to celebrate it on new collector products which are as unforgettable as the coin which inspired them."
All of these products can be ordered by directly contacting the Royal Canadian Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca. These coins will also be sold at the 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 product 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
