OTTAWA, March 27, 2014 /CNW/ - The year 2014 marks the canonization of Pope John Paul II and the Royal Canadian Mint is commemorating this historic event by striking pure gold and pure silver collector coins. The coins were unveiled today at ceremonies in Mississauga, Ontario and Saguenay, Quebec as well as the Canadian Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
"These coins honour the extraordinary life and legacy of Pope John Paul II, and his accomplishments of universal significance: his message of courage, his defence of freedom and the profound statements of hope he expressed to the world," said Wladyslaw Lizon, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville. "Pope John Paul II's work transcended so many boundaries and he promoted the values of peace, tolerance and freedom."
"Pope John Paul II was not only the first Roman Catholic pope in history to visit Canada, but a church leader whose pontificate featured many firsts around the world," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "These gold and silver coins are beautiful additions for any collector or stunning gifts for history buffs, followers of Pope John Paul II and Canadian history enthusiasts."
The reverse image on both coins reproduces a photograph of Pope John Paul II offering Mass during his first visit to Canada in 1984. Through the expert application of varied finishes and skilled engraving, Royal Canadian Mint engravers faithfully captured the power of the moment as the pope raises the Consecrated Host at the elevation. The $25 99.99% pure gold coin has a limited mintage of 1,500 and retails for $649.95, while the 99.99% fine silver coin, bearing a face value of $10, has a limited mintage of 8,500 and retails for $69.95.
The coins can be ordered directly from the Mint as of April 1st at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca. The coin will also be 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.
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 coin are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint
