Royal Canadian Mint and Canada Post unveil haunting new collector coin and stamp

Fairmont Banff Springs' most famous ghostly inhabitant first to be featured

BANFF, AB, June 2, 2014 /CNW/ - A new collector coin and stamp tell the story of the Ghost Bride who has made the Fairmont Banff Springs her eternal home since the 1930s when, upon stepping onto the staircase, she suddenly stumbled and tragically fell to her death. Since then, some claim to have seen an apparition dancing in the hotel's ballroom or walking down the staircase, as she did on that fateful day which brought a tragic end to her love story.  The coin and stamp were unveiled today at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

"Canadians have long recounted ghost tales that delight and frighten people of all ages," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "We're proud to produce coins that not only highlight such fascinating Canadian stories but also create a lasting impression through design and the innovative use of technology."

"Bringing intriguing Canadian tales out of the shadows is what stamps continue to do," said Mike Shearon, General Manager, Plant Operations West, Canada Post. "We are pleased to join the Mint to highlight these stories and offer the perfect keepsake for those who revel in this particular type of folklore." 

 "We have long been known to visitors from around the world for the tragic tale of the Ghost Bride," said David Roberts, Regional Vice-President and General Manager of the Fairmont Banff Springs.  "Her chilling resemblance has been expertly captured on this new coin and stamp which is a novel way for her spirit to live on beyond the walls of the hotel."

The 25-cent cupronickel coin's reverse design features a portrait of a bride with her eyes closed, her bridal headdress softly cascading over her shoulders. Thanks to the creative use of lenticular technology, a uniquely haunting effect is produced when the coin is tilted: the bride's eyes suddenly spring open, while the candles that lined the staircase light up the once-black background. Below the Ghost Bride is the familiar image of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs. The stamp features the same ghostly image.

The 2014 25-Cent Cupronickel Coin - Haunted Canada: Ghost Bride has a limited mintage of 15,000 and retails for $29.95.  The coin can be ordered as of June 3, 2014 by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca. It 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.  To coincide with the market launch of the Haunted Canada commemorative stamp series, a special coin and stamp set celebrating the Ghost Bride will also be available through Canada Post and the Mint as of June 13, 2014.  

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

Images of this coin are available by visiting ftp://communications:[e-mail].

Image with caption: "From left to right: David Roberts, Regional Vice-President and General Manager, Fairmont Banff Springs; Marc Brûlé, Chief Emerging Payments Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Royal Canadian Mint; and Mike Shearon, General Manager, Plant Operations West, Canada Post unveil a new collector coin and stamp featuring the Fairmont Banff Springs' famous Ghost Bride. (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140602_C3152_PHOTO_EN_2456.jpg

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mint

For further information: For more information, media are asked to contact: Christine Aquino, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Royal Canadian Mint, Telephone: [phone], [e-mail]