Article content

OTTAWA — The Royal Canadian Mint is releasing a limited-edition $20 coin to commemorate the unusual story of a Manitoba man’s close encounter with a flying saucer.

The one-ounce silver coin being released Tuesday immortalizes Stefan Michalak’s experience in Whiteshell Provincial Park, east of Winnipeg, more than 50 years ago.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Canadian mint releases glowing oval coin depicting 1967 UFO encounter in Manitoba Back to video

Photo by Royal Canadian Mint

Michalak said he suffered burns when he came across an unidentified flying object in what became known as the Falcon Lake incident in May 1967.

The coin carries the standard engraving of the Queen on one side and on the other displays a full-colour depiction of Michalak falling to the ground, with a forest and lake behind him, while a flying saucer hovers above him.

Like the story, the coin is unusual because it’s oval-shaped and comes with a black light flashlight which the mint says gives the reverse side an otherworldly glow.

Only 4,000 coins will be produced and will come with a retail price of $129.95.