Royal Canadian Mint Centennial Commemorative Coins

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Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint with special commemorative coins!
It has been 100 years since Governor General Earl Grey activated the press to strike a fifty-cent piece, Canada’s first domestically produced coin. What would become known as the Royal Canadian Mint was officially open for business.

“Every commemorative coin produced by the Mint expresses a theme or ideal that reflects Canada’s heritage and values,” stated Mr. Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “These magnificent new coins capture the essence of Canada’s world-renowned mint during our centennial year and we are pleased to offer them as part of the celebrations.”

With a proud tradition in both silver and gold coin production, the Mint is issuing four commemorative numismatic coins to celebrate its monumental anniversary, all of which are now available.

5-ounce gold and 5-ounce silver coins

The exquisite craftsmanship and finish of the 5-ounce gold and 5-ounce silver coins enhance its design, the majestic architecture of the Ottawa Mint’s historic building on Sussex Drive. Bearing a face value of $500 and available for $8,159.95, the 5-ounce gold coin has been limited to a mintage of only 250. Its silver counterpart has a $50 face value and also captures the essence of Canada’s world-renowned Mint. Four thousand of these coins have been produced and are available for $369.95 CDN.(*)

Special edition proof silver dollar

The 2008 special edition proof silver dollar features two iconic symbols of Canada: a maple leaf and common loon, one transforming into the other on the winds of change that have shaped the Mint’s success during its first 100 years. Limited to a mintage of 25,000 and designed by Burlington, Ontario artist Jason Bouwman, selective gold plating adorns the reverse and the edge for a stunning effect. This coin is available for $59.95 CDN.

Coin and stamp set

The 100th anniversary coin and stamp set, which is available for $44.95 CDN, includes a double-dated (1908-2008) sterling silver proof replica of the 1908 fifty-cent piece, which was the first coin ever produced at the Mint. Housed in a protective mount, the companion postage stamp by Canada Post depicts the original reverse of the coin. Limited to a mintage of 16,000, each set also includes a full-color information booklet featuring vintage photos and historical facts about the Mint.

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2008 $50 Proof 5oz 100th Anniversary of the RCM Silver Coin .9999 Fine

On January 2, 1908 the regal-looking building east of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa (Ontario) was the scene of much pomp and pageantry. On hand were the elite from Canada's financial and political circles.

History was made when Governor General Earl Grey struck the nation's first domestically-produced coin; a 50-cent piece. A few moments later, the first bronze cent was struck by Lady Grey.

For a young Canada, the opening of the Ottawa Branch for London's Royal Mint was a confident step forward, even if control over its coin designs and tools remained overseas. This began to change in 1931 when the Mint was transferred to the federal government and by 1936, the first "all-Canadian" coin designs still used today were circulating.

From the beginning, innovation has been the hallmark of the Mint with a revolutionary coin plating process, purest 99.999% numismatic gold coin and coloured circulation coin just a few of its internationally-renowned "firsts."

In 1979, a new state-of-the-art facility in Winnipeg (Manitoba) took the automated production of circulation coins to new heights while the Ottawa (Ontario) location continued to focus on bullion (investment) and numismatic (collector) coins as well as refining/assaying services.

Today, 100 years after its official opening, people still flock to the heritage building on Sussex Drive to see the captivating process of transforming metal into coins; the words "Royal Mint" above the entrance along with the Royal Coat of Arms that also appear at the entrances to the Peace Tower and Rideau Hall, echoing its enduring link with the United Kingdom.

Special features:
- Only the third time that the Mint has produced a 5oz silver coin. First was the “Four Seasons” produced in 2006. Second was the “Queen’s 60th Wedding Anniversary” produced in 2007.
- This magnificent silver coin captures the essence of Canada's world-renowned mint on its centennial.
- Exquisite craftsmanship and finish enhance the majestic architecture of this important heritage building.

Product specifications:
- Face Value: 50 dollars
- Mintage: 4,000
- Composition: 99.99% silver
- Weight (g): 156.77
- Diameter (mm): 65
- Edge: Serrated
- Finish: Proof
- Certificate: Serialized
- Artist: Royal Canadian Mint engravers

Packaging:
- Coin encapsulated and presented in a clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.

Issue date:June 4 2008

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2008 $1 RCM CENTENNIAL CELABRATION CON

Design features two iconic symbols of Canada—a maple leaf and Common Loon emerging from a coin; one transforming into the other on the winds of change that have shaped the Mint's success during its first centennial
- Selective gold plating beautifully adorns the reverse and the edge of the coin for a stunning effect.


Product specifications:
- Face Value: 1 dollar
- Mintage: 25,000
- Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
- Weight (g): 25.175
- Diameter (mm): 36.07
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Proof
- Certificate: Serialized
- Artist: Jason Bouwman

Issue date: June 4 2008

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2008 RCM Centennial 1908-2008 Proof 50ct Coin & Stamp Set

For a young, growing colony, the opening of a domestic mint was a confident step towards nationhood. In 1931, the Mint transformed from a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint to a wholly Canadian institution and, by 1937, the first “-all-Canadian” coin designs-like the 1-cent maple leaf, the 5-cent beaver and the 10-cent Bluenose began circulating. These renowned coin designs are still in use today.

From the beginning, innovation has been the hallmark of the Mint with a revolutionary coin plating process, the purest 99.999% numismatic gold coin and the first colored circulation coin are just a few of the Mint’s internationally-renowned “firsts”- each a source of pride for collectors and Canadians alike.

This set takes you back 100 years to the 50-cent coin of 1908-Canada’s first domestically produced coin. This faithful replica coin is now double-dated (1908-2008) and struck in sterling silver to celebrate this centennial year.

Special features:
- Packaged in a genuine wood box featuring engraving of the Mint’s historic building on the lid.
- Each set includes a double-dated (1908-2008) sterling silver proof replica of the 1908 fifty cent piece.
- Housed in a protective mount, the companion mint postage stamp depicts the original reverse of the coin.
- Numbered limited edition (16,000) full-color information booklet featuring vintage photos and historical facts about the Mint.

Product specifications:
- Face Value: 50 cents
- Mintage: 16,000
- Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
- Weight (g): 11.62g
- Diameter (mm): 29.72mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Proof
- Certificate: Serialized
- Artist: Royal Canadian Mint

Issue date: June 4 2008

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2008$300 Proof 5oz 100th Anniversary of the RCM Gold Coin

Only the second time that the Mint has produced a 5oz gold coin. First was the “Queen’s 60th Wedding Anniversary” produced in 2007.
This magnificent gold coin captures the essence of Canada's world-renowned mint on its centennial and its exquisite craftsmanship and finish enhance the majestic architecture of this important heritage building.

Product specifications:
- Face Value: 500 dollars
- Mintage: 250
- Composition: 99.99% gold
- Weight (g): 155.76
- Diameter (mm): 60
- Edge: Plain
- Finish: Proof
- Certificate: Serialized
- Artist: Royal Canadian Mint engravers

Issue date: June 4 2008