NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - On the eve of the 200th anniversary of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock's death on the battlefield at Queenston Heights, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today unveiled a new Royal Canadian Mint circulation coin honouring his memory as a hero of the War of 1812. This is the first of four circulation coins which commemorate key historical figures who influenced the fight for Canada from 1812 to 1814.
"Honouring the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with this special circulation coin pays tribute to one of our greatest national heroes and a crucial moment on the road to Confederation," said Minister Nicholson. "Our Government encourages Canadians to take this unprecedented opportunity to learn more about our heroes and history and to take pride in our traditions by collecting this new circulation coin dedicated to War of 1812 hero Major-General Sir Isaac Brock".
The War of 1812 paved the way for Confederation. It was the fight for Canada and a defining moment in our country's history that saw British regular forces, English and French-speaking militia, First Nations and Métis1 allies join together to defend our borders2. Without their courage and sacrifice, Canada as we know it would not exist.
Major-General Brock died leading a charge against the Americans3 during the Battle of Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812 and earned the title "the hero of Upper-Canada."
"The Royal Canadian Mint is committed to preserving memories of the people, places and events which tell the story of the Canadian experience and the remembrance of the heroes of the War of 1812 is a wonderful way to celebrate our proud values," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The name of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock is synonymous with the heroic deeds of our forefathers who valiantly defended Canada 200 years ago and the Mint is delighted to have issued a 25-cent circulation coin in honour of this legendary hero of the War of 1812, for Canadians to collect and admire."
Limited to a mintage of 12.5 million coins, the Sir Isaac Brock 25-cent commemorative circulation coin begins circulating on October 13, 2012. The public is encouraged to look for it in their change or obtain it at face value on line at www.mint.ca/1812.
The Mint has also released a number of exquisite precious metal collector coins to add to the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. On October 2, 2012, the Mint issued a $4 face value 99.99% pure silver coin featuring a portrait of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, set against an intricately engraved background consisting of the bilingual text "The War of 1812/La guerre de 1812." This coin is also emblazoned by the engraved and painted Government of Canada War of 1812 logo. Limited to a mintage of only 10,000 examples world-wide, this coin retails for $49.95 CDN.
This product, and others, can be purchased from www.mint.ca; the Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver; and through our network of distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets. These products can also be ordered by directly contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the US.
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 the Mint's newest War of 1812 commemorative circulation coin are available by visiting ftp://communications:[email protected].
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1 http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2012/01/index-eng.asp
2 http://www.1812.gc.ca/eng/1305658803194/1317921921396
3 http://www.1812.gc.ca/fra/1305743100762/1305743162190
Backgrounder
2012 25-CENT CIRCULATION COIN:
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR OF 1812 "SIR ISAAC BROCK"
As Canadians far and wide mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, this historical turning point is a reminder of the heroic figures whose brave acts assured the defense of a future Canada. One of the most celebrated was Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. Dubbed "The Hero of Upper Canada", he was a distinguished British Army commander who led the successful defense of the province early in the War of 1812.
Appointed commander of military forces in 1810, he organized the militia and prepared Canada for possible war with the United States. Following the outbreak of war and the forging of a crucial alliance with Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, Major-General Brock led the daring capture of Fort Detroit, securing the western frontier and boosting the morale of Upper Canadians. His death on October 13, 1812, while attempting to recapture Queenston Heights, has made Sir Isaac Brock a national hero and an enduring symbol of bravery and patriotism for successive generations of Canadians.
The reverse image of this new 25-cent circulation coin features a profile portrait of Major-General Brock, designed by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie Ross, against an intricately engraved background comprised of the words "The War of 1812" in both English and French. Featured in the design is the Government of Canada War of 1812 logo, composed of stylistic 1812 typography encompassed by a stylized maple leaf with ecru swords crossing behind it.
In all, 12.5 million of these commemorative circulation coins have been produced in two distinct finishes: half of them feature a coloured War of 1812 logo, while the remaining coins have a frosted portrait of Major-General Brock while the War of 1812 logo remains unpainted.
The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, as well as the Government of Canada's official commemorative symbol for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
Canadians can find this new coin in general circulation as of October 13, 2012, or obtain limited quantities through an online coin exchange at www.mint.ca/1812.
Image with caption: "The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Royal Canadian Mint President and CEO Ian E. Bennett unveiled the new 25-cent circulation coin honoring War of 1812 hero Major-General Sir Isaac Brock at the Fort George National Historic Site. (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121012_C6412_PHOTO_EN_19165.jpg
Image with caption: "The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Royal Canadian Mint President and CEO Ian E. Bennett unveiled the new 25-cent circulation coin honoring War of 1812 hero Major-General Sir Isaac Brock at the Fort George National Historic Site. (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121012_C6412_PHOTO_EN_19167.jpg
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mint
Alex Reeves
Senior Manager, Communications
Royal Canadian Mint
Telephone: (613) 949-5777
[email protected]
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