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Mint capture the Olympic spiritBy Mario Cywinski In 2010, the Olympic Winter Games will return to Canada, for the first time since 1988. Twenty years ago it was Calgary which hosted the games, this time it is Vancouver's turn to stage the Games. As a result, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) has released many products commemorating the upcoming Games. Many of us have already seen all the Olympic quarters making the circulation rounds. What will make the new bullion coins different is that they will celebrate the top two steps of the podium, the gold position and silver position. The latest release, is the 2008 Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games gold and silver Maple Leaf bullion coins. They will be the first coins in the world to honour the spirit of the Olympics. These coins will be produced at the RCM's Ottawa plant and a run of 50,000 is expected for the gold version of the coin. The silver coin does not have a definite mintage, as it will be produced on demand. The gold coin is made of one ounce of 99.99 per cent pure gold, its denomination is $50. The coins are 30 mm in diameter and 31.15 grams in weight. The silver coin is made of one ounce of 99.99 per cent pure silver, and has a $5 face value. It has a diameter of 38 mm and a weight of 31.39 grams. The 2008 coins are the second in the series, and 2009 and 2010 version will also be released. "Gold and silver have long symbolized the pinnacle of international athletic competition and we are delighted that the Royal Canadian Mint's world-renowned bullion coins are now associated wih the Olympic Movement," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the RCM. Interestly, we haven't heard if a bronze version of the coin will be released to round out podium like relase of the coins.April 15 to April 28, 2008 issue of Canadian Coin News |
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