CNW
One-hundred-and-twenty-five years after former Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley of Preston donated a silver challenge cup to recognize the best amateur hockey team in Canada, the legendary Stanley Cup is making a Canadian homecoming in the form of millions of 25-cent commemorative circulation coins issued by the Mint in celebration of this milestone anniversary.
This special coin was unveiled March 16, at Rideau Hall by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Royal Canadian Mint President and CEO Sandra Hanington.
“The celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup is a perfect example of the pride and excitement Canadians will feel throughout the experience of Canada 150 and the Government of Canada is proud that the Royal Canadian Mint has created a special circulation coin in its honour,” said the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance. “Millions of Canadians who are united by their shared love of hockey can now collect this coin as a way to relive their favourite moments of the quest for the ultimate symbol of hockey excellence.”
“As the ultimate symbol of Canadians’ passion for hockey, the Stanley Cup is woven into the fabric of our culture and identity and marking its 125th anniversary on a 25-cent circulation coin is one of the best ways to celebrate their pride,” said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The legacy of the Stanley Cup, along with the many precious memories it holds, can forever be treasured by millions of Canadians who find this coin in their change and save it is as a treasured symbol of Canadian hockey glory.”
Designed by British Columbia artist Steve Hepburn, the reverse of this new 25-cent circulation coin depicts the Stanley Cup, flanked by two hockey players – one in period uniform and the other in modern-day uniform. Together, these players represent the Stanley Cup’s rich history. A total of 12.5 million coins began circulating on March 17.
Hockey fans across Canada can start looking for this coin in their change, attend coin exchanges at the Mint’s Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver boutiques, or obtain limited quantities through an online coin exchange at www.mint.ca/StanleyCup125 (limited to Canada only).
The Mint is also celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup by issuing specially-wrapped collector rolls of 40 25-cent coins. Limited to 50,000 commemorative rolls, this limited-edition product retails for $22.95 CAD. More information on this product can be found at www.mint.ca.
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.
