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, AB, Feb. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - 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."
    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 it's 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. 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 www.mint.ca 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.

    Images and product details of the RCM's newest collection are available
by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.

For further information: please contact: Pam Aung Thin, Vice-President
Communications, (613) 993-5092, (613) 991-5342, Cellular: (613) 220-5096,
aungthin@mint.ca; Jennifer Field, Account Director, Hill & Knowlton Ottawa,
(613) 786-9956, jennifer.field@hillandknowlton.ca