The Royal Canadian Mint has just unveiled a rectangular-shaped silver collector coin commemorating the NHL’s centennial today in Edmonton, Alta.
The unveiling took place at the NHL Centennial Fan Arena—a traveling exhibit honouring a century of unforgettable moments, teams and extraordinary players—with legendary NHLer Paul Coffey, of Malton, Ont., and Mint President and CEO Sandra Hanington. After celebrating milestones of the Stanley Cup and the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier in 2017, the Mint has notched a hat trick of historic hockey coins with the launch of the “NHL100” coin.
“For 100 years, the National Hockey League has created unforgettable memories for Canadian hockey fans from coast-to-coast-to-coast and given Canadian legends of the game the biggest stage in the world on which to display their talent,” said Finance Minister Bill Morneau. “Thanks to the Royal Canadian Mint, the NHL’s 100th anniversary gets its own turn in the spotlight on a coin that will be as unforgettable for its design as its profound meaning to Canadian culture.”
COMMISSIONER BETTMAN
“This coin is a wonderful honour for our League’s 100th birthday. And, for our fans, it is an impressive addition to any hockey coin collection,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “The unique design and the application of our Centennial logo provide an enduring tribute to a century of NHL hockey.”
NETCAM PERSPECTIVE
Designed by Canadian artist Julius Csotonyi, the reverse of this rectangular shaped coin celebrates 100 years of NHL history through a moment that conveys the excitement of the game. The unique “netcam” perspective places the viewer at the very heart of the fast-paced action on the ice, where several hockey players have rushed towards the crease.
On the left, a player’s stick is still raised after taking the shot, which proves to be successful as the puck soars past the collapsing goaltender.
Precise engraving of the net, overhead scoreboard and cheering teammates helps bring the game atmosphere to life. Framing the reverse are the engraved commemorative dates “1917 – 2017,” the denomination of “25 DOLLARS” and the NHL Centennial logo in both official languages.
PAUL COFFEY
Coffey, who was on hand to unveil the new $25 Fine silver “NHL100” coin, ranks second among NHL defencemen in career goals, assists, and points—behind only Ray Bourque, of Saint-Laurent, Que. Coffey holds the record for most goals scored by a defenceman in one season—48 goals in 1985-86—and he’s the only defenceman to score 40 goals more than once in his career. He’s one of only two defencemen—including Bobby Orr—to score 100 points in a season more than once. Coffey is a three-time winner of the Norris Trophy and an eight-time NHL All-Star.
“It has always been a thrill to celebrate Canada’s love of hockey on coins and it’s wonderful to cap off a year of hockey milestones with a breathtaking silver coin that honours the National Hockey League on its 100th anniversary,” said Hanington. “We are proud to have preserved 100 years of NHL highlights on a coin crafted with a level of skill and innovation that is nothing short of top shelf.”
The 2017 $25 Fine silver coin, “100th Anniversary of the NHL,” has a limited mintage of 6,000 and retails for $139.95.
For more information, visit www.mint.ca/NHL100.