New $2 coin commemorates 1972 Summit Series on 50th anniversary
Fifty years to the day after Canada defeated the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series, the Royal Canadian Mint is issuing a special coin commemorating the occasion.
The $2 coin is entering circulation on Wednesday to commemorate Canada’s victory in the clash of hockey superpowers, which ended with a win in Game 8 on Sept. 28, 1972 thanks to Paul Henderson’s goal with 34 seconds left.
“Hockey is a defining aspect of our national Canadian identity, and in 1972 Team Canada helped inspire a generation of Canadians,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a news release. “This new circulation coin may be a small token, but I hope—fifty years later—that it might help to inspire another.”
The reverse of the coin, designed by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel, features two Team Canada hockey players set against the team’s maple leaf jersey emblem. They are framed by the words “THE SERIES” and “50 YEARS” in English and French.
The coaches’ initials and the jersey numbers of every player surround the core. The obverse still features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Three million of the coins have been minted, of which two million feature a coloured inner core. The Mint says they will gradually reach Canadians as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of $2 coins.
“The Summit Series is a compelling reminder of what Canadians can accomplish when they unite, work hard and persevere,” said Royal Canadian Mint President and CEO Marie Lemay. “I hope that this coin will inspire Canadians of all ages, genders and backgrounds, on the ice or in everyday life.”
The Mint is also issuing several collector coins, proceeds from which will be donated to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal.
Collectors can get a special wrap roll of the colourized coins for $79.95 each or a special wrap roll set of coloured and uncoloured coins for $159.90.
There is also a large-scale pure silver version of the coin for $189.95 and a pure gold version for $4,099.95.
The collectibles can be ordered on the Mint’s website and at their Ottawa and Winnipeg boutiques.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.