The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled the designs for its 2017 circulation coins following a nation-wide contest in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
As simultaneous unveiling ceremonies unfolded in the communities of each of the five winning coin designers, the Mint today unveiled the work of Amy Choi, which will grace the reverse of the 2017 10-cent circulation coin.
“My coin design expresses the hope that, one day, the offering of the maple leaf will be as symbolic as the offering of an olive branch,” said Choi. “Since Canada is known world-wide for its desire to promote peace, cooperation and diversity, I was moved to combine the maple leaf and the dove as my way to show what I admire most about my country.”
The forthcoming $2 coin was designed by British Columbia’s Timothy Hsia, whose design was chosen as the winner of the ‘Our Wonders’ theme.
Though not a trained artist, Choi was able to elegantly illustrate what she felt Canada achieved in its first 150 years through a work entitled “Wings of Peace.” Her design shows an airborne maple leaf which forms the wings and tail of a dove delicately outlined beneath it.
“As the country looks forward to marking Canada’s 150 birthday next year, the Government of Canada is pleased that the Mint has given Canadians a taste of celebrations to come by unveiling the designs that will change the face of our 2017 circulation coins,” said Finance Minister Bill Morneau. “These coins will stand the test of time as memorable keepsakes of a milestone in Canadian history.”
The $1 coin was designed by St. Catharines, Ont.’s Wesley Klassen, whose design was chosen as the winner of the ‘Our Achievements’ theme.
On March 11, 2015, the Mint launched a national contest inviting the public to create new designs for a 2017 circulation coin series celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary from five theme perspectives: Our Wonders, Our Character, Our Achievements, Our Passions, and Canada’s Future. After the public cast over one million online votes, Choi’s design won the popular vote among five finalists in the running for the coin celebrating Our Character.
The finalists in each category were determined by the Mint and a panel of notable Canadians. The winning design per category was selected by Canadians in an online vote which took place in September 2015. Each 2017-dated circulation coin denomination will feature one of the winning designs and Canadians will be able to find these coins in their change next spring.
The 25-cent coin was designed by Ontario’s Joelle Wong, whose design was chosen as the winner of the ‘Canada’s Future’ theme.
“From the artists who shared their vision to the people who voted for their favourite designs, Canadians showed how much Canada means to them,” said Sandra Hanington, Mint president and CEO. “The ‘My Canada, My Inspiration’ coin design contest captured heartfelt expressions of the spirit of Canada and the Mint is proud that our 2017 circulation coins will give Canadians new stories worth holding onto as they celebrate Canada 150.”
The Mint is also launching an extensive collector coin program in celebration of Canada 150.
Lastly, the five-cent coin was designed by Millbrook First Nation Community Member and graphic designer Gerald Gloade, whose design was chosen as the winner of the ‘Our Passions’ theme.
Previously, the Mint held public contests to design 25-cent coins for Canada’s 125th anniversary in 1992 as well as the Millennium celebrations in 1999-2000.
For more information, visit mint.ca.