OTTAWA, March 18, 2015 /CNW/ - From June 6 to July 5, 2015, Canadians will have the world's best female soccer teams playing right in their own backyards as six cities across the nation host the FIFA Women's World Cup™. The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled numismatic coins to commemorate this milestone sporting event today in two of the host cities: Vancouver and Moncton.  Members of Canada's National Women's Team along with kids from local clubs were on hand to help celebrate.

"As 2015 marks the Year of Sport in Canada, our country and our government is proud to be welcoming the world to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015™ this summer, and we are delighted that the Royal Canadian Mint has added to the celebration with exciting new collector coins," said The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "As Canadians far and wide enjoy the highest level of soccer competition in their own backyards, they can hold these coins close to their hearts while they cheer on our women's national team each time they compete against the world's best."

"Whether you're an active soccer player, or an avid fan cheering from the stands, the Mint has created exciting keepsakes which celebrate this prestigious sporting event coming to Canada," said Sandra L. Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "With designs as heart-stopping as the action expected on the pitch, these coins capture the drama, intensity and diversity of competing at the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™."

"After FIFA granted Canada Soccer the privilege of hosting the competition which represents the pinnacle of women's soccer, we are honoured that this proud moment in Canadian sporting history will now be permanently preserved in collector coins from the Royal Canadian Mint," said Victor Montagliani, Chair of the National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 and President of the Canadian Soccer Association.  "As soccer continues to gain momentum across Canada, among players and fans alike, I believe these coins will help inspire a whole new generation of girls and women to get involved in the game."  

The Mint is fielding an impressive roster of collector coins in celebration of Canada's hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015™.  Its line-up includes:

• A "$20 for $20" fine silver coin, sold at face value and designed by artist Joel Kimmel;
• Four $10 fine silver coins designed by artist Greg Banning featuring the themes of "The Kicker", "Heading the Ball", "The Goalie" and "Celebration";
• Two Greg Banning-designed coloured $10 fine silver coins: "Canada Welcomes the World" and "Go Canada Go!"; and
• Three $75 pure gold coins: "The Soccer Ball" and "The Championship Game" designed by Tony Bianco and "The Trophy", designed by Glen Green.

The $20 fine silver coin can be ordered now at 20for20.ca and 20for20.us. All other coins can be ordered from the Mint as of April 7, 2015 at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca. The coins 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

About the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™
The FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™, from June 6-July 5, 2015, will be hosted in Canada from coast to coast with matches to be played in Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Ottawa, Ontario; Montréal, Québec and Moncton, New Brunswick.  Recognized as the most important international competition in women's football, the upcoming competition will unite football fans worldwide while giving Canada an opportunity to embrace the best of women's sport.

Images of these coins are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint