Intergovernmental and International Relations

New silver dollar honours first French settlement in North America (04/02/03)

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Feb. 3, 2004

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The Royal Canadian Mint today officially unveiled the 2004 Silver Dollar - Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first French settlement in North America (1604-2004).

Designed by Canadian artist Robert-Ralph Carmichael, the coin depicts a 17th century ship and Champlain's drawing of the island settlement. The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

"The Acadian people make up an integral part of the vibrancy of New Brunswick," Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson said. "I believe this coin represents the successes and the struggles of all Acadians. My hope is that it serves to educate Canadians about this important anniversary, and all we have achieved since 1604."

From left: Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson, Royal Canadian Mint President/CEO David Dingwall, and

Intergovernmental and International Relations Minister Percy Mockler. (Large photo.)

"As Canadians prepare to celebrate the establishment of the first French settlement in the New World, this coin will serve as a lasting reminder of the significant contribution of the region's Acadian community to Canada's rich culture and history," said Stan Keyes, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Sport).

The Island of Sainte-Croix lies in a river that serves as a natural border between New Brunswick and Maine, and yielded significant influence on North American history. Founded in June of 1604 as Île Sainte-Croix by Samuel de Champlain and Pierre du Gua, sieur de Monts, it was home to the first settlement that France established in order to claim its rights to this region of the New World.

By late September, the settlement was built, just in time for the snow that began to fall a few days later. The river quickly filled with ice floes, cutting the colony off from the mainland. They were surrounded by salt water, with very little food or firewood for heat. When spring finally arrived, only 44 of the original 79 men had survived. The settlement was relocated, but the historic impact of this small island would endure for centuries to come.

"I am pleased with the decision of the Royal Canadian Mint to commemorate the historic 400th anniversary of the first French settlement in North America in a very special way," Intergovernmental and International Relations Minister Percy Mockler said. "The celebrations provide an excellent opportunity for each and every one of us to rediscover the cultural wealth of New Brunswick and all of Canada." Mockler is Minister responsible for 2004 Celebrations.

"We take great pride in commemorating unique moments in Canadian history," said David C. Dingwall, President/CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "We are proud to offer a stunning design for the 2004 Silver Dollar that celebrates the epic pursuit of the New World."

The silver dollar, available in Proof or Brilliant finish, contains 99.99 per cent silver and is available for $33.95 CDN (Proof) or $24.95 (Brilliant) with an unlimited mintage.

(Large image)

The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. It is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. More information is available online at: http://www.mint.ca.

04/02/03

MEDIA CONTACTS: Étienne Allard, communications, Intergovernmental and International Relations, 506-457-7397; Eileen Melnick McCarthy, communications, Royal Canadian Mint, 613-993-5092 or 613-991-5342, cellular, 613- 220-7325, melnick@mint.ca.

04/02/03