Released on July 13, 2005
The Royal Canadian Mint today unveiled a new commemorative circulation 25-cent coin to celebrate Saskatchewan's Centennial. The design features the Western Meadowlark which received the most votes by Canadians through a popular vote held earlier this year. The coin, designed by Paulett Sapergia, a wildlife artist based in Grasswood, Saskatchewan, was introduced into circulation at a public event at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts in Regina, where the people of Saskatchewan were invited to exchange a coin for the new 2005 Saskatchewan Centennial 25-cent Coin.The vote marks the first time in the Mint's almost 100-year history that the public has participated in the selection of a coin design. Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 supported the Mint's efforts to encourage voting across the province. Mrs. Sapergia's design received 14,427 of the total 24,381 votes cast. Mrs. Sapergia submitted one of the three final designs to commemorate the province's centennial.
The coin features a singing Western Meadowlark, flanked by two shafts of wheat, while a prairie sunset and towering grain elevator fill the background.
"This year marks a milestone in the history of Saskatchewan and this commemorative coin is just one way for the people of this province to celebrate their centennial and to remember it for years to come," Minister of National Revenue and Minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint John McCallum said. "Saskatchewan has many special characteristics and this winning design depicts what makes it such an important part of Canada's history, as well as its future."
"This commemorative coin is a canvas for what makes Saskatchewan unique, and the Mint is very pleased to provide a means for the people of Saskatchewan to celebrate their heritage," President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint David C. Dingwall said. "This is the first time that Canadians have been invited to vote on the design of a coin and the response has been overwhelming. What a great way to celebrate a centennial!"
"Our centennial quarter is an opportunity for all Canadians to carry a piece of Saskatchewan with them and join in our province's celebration of 100 years of heart," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Not only will this coin be a lasting reminder of the incredible spirit Saskatchewan demonstrated in 2005, it will also be a commemorative keepsake that people will cherish well into our province's second century."
The Mint will produce up to 20 million commemorative circulation 25-cent coins.
As of July 19th, 2005, Saskatchewan residents can obtain the coin at all branches of Saskatchewan Credit Unions. Across Canada, Canadians can look for the coin in their change.
The Mint is also offering collector products to commemorate Saskatchewan's Centennial, including a Commemorative Circulation Roll ($14.95), Official First Day Cover ($14.95) and a Special Edition Proof $5 Silver Coin ($49.95). All of these products are available from the Mint at www.mint.ca, by calling toll free at 1-800-267-1781, or from the Mint's network of dealers and distributors.
The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. In operation since 1908, the Royal Canadian 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 Royal Canadian Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775 | Pam Aung Thin Royal Canadian Mint Ottawa Phone: (613) 993-5092 Cell: (613) 220-5096 |