One hundred and twenty five years after former Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley of Preston donated a silver challenge cup to recognize the best amateur hockey team in Canada, the legendary Stanley Cup is making a Canadian homecoming with a new 25-cent commemorative circulation coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint.
The coin was unveiled today at Ottawa’s Rideau Hall by Governor General David Johnston and Royal Canadian Mint President and CEO Sandra Hanington.
“As the ultimate symbol of Canadians’ passion for hockey, the Stanley Cup is woven into the fabric of our culture and identity and marking its 125th anniversary on a 25-cent circulation coin is one of the best ways to celebrate their pride,” said Hanington. “The legacy of the Stanley Cup, along with the many precious memories it holds, can forever be treasured by millions of Canadians who find this coin in their change and save it is as a treasured symbol of Canadian hockey glory.”
The new 25-cent coins (obverse shown) feature the right-facing effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
1892 to 2017
Designed by British Columbia artist Steve Hepburn, the reverse of this new 25-cent circulation coin depicts the Stanley Cup, flanked by two hockey players—one in a period uniform and another in a modern uniform. Together, these players represent the Stanley Cup’s rich history. A total of 12.5 million coins will begin circulating tomorrow.
Also engraved on the reverse is a banner bearing the commemorative dates “1892” and “2017”, as well as the words “COUPE STANLEY CUP” and “125 YEARS/ANS”. The obverse features the right-facing effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Like all current Canadian 25-cent coins, the new Stanley Cup coins have a weight of 4.4 grams and a 23.88-mm diameter.
There are coin exchanges being hosted at the Mint’s Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver boutiques.
“The celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup is a perfect example of the pride and excitement Canadians will feel throughout the experience of Canada 150 and the Government of Canada is proud that the Royal Canadian Mint has created a special circulation coin in its honour,” said Finance Minister Bill Morneau. “Millions of Canadians who are united by their shared love of hockey can now collect this coin as a way to relive their favourite moments of the quest for the ultimate symbol of hockey excellence.”
Hockey fans across Canada can start looking for this coin in their change, attend coin exchanges at the Mint’s Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver boutiques, or obtain limited quantities through an online coin exchange at mint.ca/StanleyCup125.
The Mint is also celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup by issuing specially wrapped collector rolls of 40 25-cent coins. Limited to 50,000 commemorative rolls, this limited-edition product retails for $22.95.
For more information, visit mint.ca.