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
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to squash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.