Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – The Royal Canadian Mint has launched an exciting new rectangular silver coin to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 24,000-kilometre Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail), which will soon connect Canada from its Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic coasts. This coin was celebrated at an event held beside the Meewasin Trail section, which crosses the city of Saskatoon as it follows the shore of the South Saskatchewan River.
“As an organization which prides itself on connecting Canadians through coins, the Mint is delighted to issue a coin celebrating the bringing together of our country, especially on its 150th anniversary, through the Great Trail initiative,” said Sandra Hanington, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The Mint is proud to share the story of the Great Trail on a spectacular coin which celebrates the endless ways Canada can be enjoyed thanks to all the passionate Canadians who took on the bold challenge of building the Great Trail.”
“It is such an honour for Trans Canada Trail to have a coin commemorating Canada’s Great Trail,” said Deborah Apps, president and CEO of Trans Canada Trail. “This is truly a celebration of our volunteers and donors who have worked tirelessly to connect the Trail across Canada, making this 25-year dream a reality.”
Canadian artist Steve Hepburn designed this 1.5-ounce, 99.99% pure silver coin with a panoramic rectangular shape. The focal point of the coin features a pair of hikers, selectively enhanced with colour, setting out to explore the Great Trail of Canada. Above them is the logo of the Trans Canada Trail in full colour, surrounded by a series of engraved vignettes depicting the many ways the trail’s diverse landscapes can be enjoyed year-round. These include agricultural lands nestled in foothills; cycling along a rural trail; canoeing through wetlands; horseback riding; backpacking across rocky terrain; and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
The 2017, $25 silver coin honoring the Great Trail has a limited mintage of 5,500 and retails for $159.95. It is available for purchase by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the United States, or online at the Royal Canadian Mint’s website. The coin is also available at the 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.
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Ernesto says
Another overpriced release from the RCM!!