Two collector coins celebrating the significant contributions of Canadian National (CN) were recently unveiled by the Royal Canadian Mint.
In recognition of CN’s centennial, which marks 100 years of the railway’s support of a stronger and more prosperous country, the Mint released a coloured 25-cent coin plus a $200 gold coin alongside CN employees at the Claude Mongeau National Training Centre in Winnipeg on May 13.
“CN has a fascinating history of connecting Canadians on many different levels,” said Marie Lemay, Mint president and CEO. “It is my hope that with these beautiful coins, Canadians will share the story of CN’s important role in developing Canada’s economy and sense of national identity.”
25-CENT COIN
The 25-cent coin was designed by Canadian artist Tony Bianco, whose father worked at the CN railyards in Toronto as a new immigrant to Canada.
With a specimen finish and selective colour, the design features two locomotives representing the famed workhorses of CN’s vast rail network—a diesel-electric MLW M-420 built by Montreal Locomotive Works and a steam-powered Northern CN 6218, symbolizing the golden age of passenger rail travel.
Limited to a mintage of 30,000 pieces, the nickel-plated steel 25-cent coin has a weight of 12.61 grams and a diameter of 35 millimetres.
$200 GOLD COIN
The other CN coin is a half-ounce 99.99 per cent pure gold piece also designed by Bianco.
Traditionally engraved against a mirror-like proof background, it features a trio of CN locomotives evoking the past and present—a Class U-4-a Confederation steam locomotive, a steam-powered U-1-f Class Bullet Nose Betty and a modern six-axle ES44DC Evolution Series diesel locomotive. Limited to a mintage of 1,000, the coin has a weight of 15.43 grams and a diameter of 29 millimetres.
“CN would like to thank the Royal Canadian Mint for such an honour,” said JJ Ruest, CN president and CEO.
“As part of our 100-year anniversary festivities, we are proud to celebrate our rich history of connecting people, places and our economy, as these commemorative coins represent so well. We look forward to the next 100 years of nation-building.”
For more information about the coins, visit mint.ca.