Earlier this week, the Royal Canadian Mint launched a 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 unveiled on Aug. 15 at a ceremony held beside the Meewasin Trail section, which crosses the city of Saskatoon as it follows the shore of the South Saskatchewan River.
“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.”
PURE SILVER, PANORAMIC SHAPE
Canadian artist Steve Hepburn designed this 1.5-ounce, 99.99 per cent pure silver coin with a panoramic rectangular shape. The focal point of the coin features a pair of hikers—selectively enhanced with colour—who are setting out to explore The Great Trail of Canada. Above them is the logo of the Trans Canada Trail in full colour. This is 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; as well as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
“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, Mint president and CEO.
“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.”
The 2017 $25 Fine silver coin, “The Great Trail,” has a limited mintage of 5,500 coins and retails for $159.95. For more information, visit mint.ca.