Canada Comes Alive with New Coins from the Royal Canadian Mint

In July 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint announced exciting new coins that celebrate Canada’s rich culture and natural beauty. This summer release includes various themes and stunning designs, showcasing national symbols and stories that define Canada. Among the highlights are coins designed by Robert Bateman, a renowned wildlife artist. These coins, marking the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, include pure gold and silver options. Overall, this launch features 20 new collector coins, making it one of the Mint’s most ambitious releases of the year.

Celebrating Canada’s Wildlife and Heritage

Robert Bateman’s unique designs reflect Canada’s wildlife, especially the iconic moose. His artwork is featured on multiple coins, including:

• $2500 pure gold coin
• $250 fine silver kilo coin
• $300 platinum coin
• $200 pure gold coin
• $20 fine silver coin

These coins not only highlight Bateman’s artistry but also celebrate Canada’s natural treasures.

50th Anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard

Two new coins honor the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard, founded in 1962. One coin features the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, a famous icebreaker. This $20 fine silver coin, designed by maritime artist Yves Bérubé, is inspired by the artist’s own experience with the vessel.

Later in the year, a cupronickel 25-cent colored coin will showcase the Coast Guard’s vessels and aircraft in action, emphasizing their vital role in Canadian waters.

Honoring Canada’s History

The Mint is also celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with a special $10 fine silver coin featuring HMS Shannon. This coin includes selective gold plating of the ship’s figurehead, making it a significant collector’s item. Additionally, there are new kilo coins: one is a $2500 gold coin, and the other is a $250 silver coin, both displaying the classic design of a King George III Peace Medal awarded to Canada’s aboriginal allies.

Overview of New Royal Canadian Mint Coins

Coin Type	Design/Theme	Metal Composition	Denomination	Estimated Value	Description
Robert Bateman Moose Coin	Wildlife Art by Robert Bateman	Pure Gold	$2500	$2500+	Celebrates 50th anniversary of Canadian Wildlife Federation.
CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent Coin	Canadian Coast Guard	Fine Silver	$20	$20+	Features the famous icebreaker ship.
HMS Shannon Coin	War of 1812	Fine Silver	$10	$10+	Commemorates the historic naval battle.
Nova Scotia Fishing Village Coin	Group of Seven Series	Fine Silver	$20	$20+	Artwork by Arthur Lismer.
Crystal Dew Drop Coin	Rhododendron Flower	Fine Silver	$20	$20+	Unique design featuring a floral theme.
Blessings of Good Fortune Coin	Giant Panda	99.999% Pure Gold	Varies	Varies	Special coin featuring a cultural symbol.
Loonie Coin (25th Anniversary)	25th Anniversary of Canadian Loonie	Special Edition Silver	$1	$1+	Celebrates the milestone of Canada’s one-dollar coin.
Special Edition Specimen Set	Wolf Cubs	Various	N/A	N/A	Features unique designs celebrating wildlife.
Holiday Gift Set	Various Designs by Gary Taxali	Various	N/A	N/A	Designed for holiday gifting with unique themes.

Key Features of Selected Coins

Coin	Designer/Artist	Release Year	Key Features
Robert Bateman Moose Coin	Robert Bateman	2012	Highlights Canadian wildlife; 50th anniversary edition.
CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent Coin	Yves Bérubé	2012	Inspired by artist’s experience with the icebreaker.
HMS Shannon Coin	Unknown	2012	Selective gold plating of ship’s figurehead.
Nova Scotia Fishing Village Coin	Arthur Lismer	2012	Second issue in the Group of Seven series.
Crystal Dew Drop Coin	Unknown	2012	Unique floral design featuring the Rhododendron.
Blessings of Good Fortune Coin	Unknown	2012	Cultural significance featuring the Giant Panda.
Loonie Coin	Unknown	2012	Special edition for the 25th anniversary.
Special Edition Specimen Set	Various	2012	Features designs of Canadian wildlife and culture.
Holiday Gift Set	Gary Taxali	2012	Designed for gifting; includes various themes.

Exciting New Coin Releases

Here’s a list of some of the new coins that have become available:

• Second issue of the $20 fine silver coin from the Group of Seven series featuring Arthur Lismer’s Nova Scotia Fishing Village.
• Crystal Dew Drop $20 fine silver coin, showcasing the Rhododendron flower.
• 1/25 oz Gold Coin celebrating the 150th anniversary of British Columbia’s Cariboo Gold Rush.
• $10 Fine Silver Praying Mantis featuring the winning photo from the 2012 Canadian Geographic Photo Contest.
• A special edition silver Loonie marking the 25th anniversary of Canada’s one-dollar circulation coin.
• A 99.999% pure gold Blessings of Good Fortune coin featuring the Giant Panda.
• The new Fine Silver Maple of Good Fortune with a hologram.
• The $1 and $2 Circulation Security Test Token Set.
• The 2012 Special Edition Specimen Set showcasing Wolf Cubs.
• The 2012 Holiday Gift Set designed by famous Canadian graphic artist Gary Taxali.

Conclusion

The Royal Canadian Mint’s new coin collection is an exciting celebration of Canada’s culture, history, and wildlife. From the beautiful designs of Robert Bateman to the commemorative coins honoring the Coast Guard and the War of 1812, these collectibles offer something for every coin enthusiast. With 20 new products released, collectors can find unique and meaningful pieces that celebrate Canada’s identity. Whether you’re an avid collector or just starting, these coins present an excellent opportunity to appreciate Canada’s natural beauty and rich history. Keep an eye out for these exciting new coins, as they embody the spirit of Canada and its heritage!

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