Do you care two bits about curling?

NEWS RELEASE

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT

*********************** The Royal Canadian Mint launches the 25-cent curling coin to commemorate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Curling the first sport featured in series of 17 special coins going into circulation over the next three years LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, February 21 - The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today officially released the first of 17 circulation coins to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The popular winter sport of curling is depicted on the 25-cent coin.

The coin was released during the 2007 Canadian Women's Curling Championship, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, one of Canada's premier women's sporting events, now being held in Lethbridge.

Speaking at the Lethbridge Curling Club, Ian E. Bennett, president and CEO of the RCM, said: "This is the first coin in the most extensive circulation program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by any mint worldwide."

"With these coins, every Canadian will have a chance to connect with the Games and hold on to a lasting reminder of what is sure to be a very special time in our history," Bennett said.

The 25-cent curling coin will start to circulate on February 23, 2007 and will be available exclusively at participating RBC Royal Bank branches and Petro Canada outlets.

RBC is a premier national partner and Petro-Canada is a national partner of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

Canadians can also look for these special coins in their change.

Up to 22 million coins will go into circulation.

Participating Petro-Canada outlets will also sell a curling sports card, containing a painted version of the curling coin.

The sports cards will sell for $7.95 and will also be released on February 23.

Curling was, most recently, a demonstration sport at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games and was accepted as a full medal sport in 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.

Including 1998, both the Canadian men's and women's teams have won medals in every Olympic Winter Games since.

"Curling is very proud of its outstanding, albeit short, Olympic heritage and we are excited to be working with the Canadian Mint on the launch of this 2010 Olympic Coin series," said Donna Duffett, president of the Canadian Curling Association Board.

"The eyes of the world will be on Vancouver in 2010 and Canadian curling will, once again, be expected to be front and center when the medals are awarded," Duffett said.

"We have every intention to fulfill that expectation," concluded Duffett.

Designed by Canadian artist Glen Green, the coin features a curler in the centre, a stylized maple leaf and the words Vancouver 2010.

The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Additionally, for enthusiasts and serious collectors in Canada and abroad, the RCM has introduced a sterling silver collector version of the curling coin.

The design features the sport of curling and a unique hologram.

The sterling silver coin was designed by Canadian artist Steve Hepburn and retails for $69.95 and Canadians can purchase coins through the RCM's website at Mint.ca [or] by calling 1-800-267-1871 or through authorized dealers.

Background

In June, 2006, the Royal Canadian Mint became an official supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with the signing of an agreement with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

The RCM has exclusive rights for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in the minting of circulation, precious metal and base metal numismatic and bullion coins product and service category and will also be responsible for minting the athlete medals.

Over the next three years, the Royal Canadian Mint will put into circulation 17 coins in Canada featuring designs related to the 2010 Winter Games.

Thirty-six limited mintage collector coins and sets will also be offered.

Canadians from coast to coast can share in the pride and touch the Games by collecting and saving these special Canadian coins.

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