Contest commemorates Canada’s upcoming 150th anniversary

The Royal Canadian Mint is turning over the design of its coins to Canadians across the country to commemorate the upcoming 150th anniversary of Confederation.

“As a curator of our nation’s history, culture and values, the Mint is in a unique position to offer Canadians a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the face of our circulation coinage as a lasting tribute to Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation,” said Sandra L. Hanington, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, in a release. “In addition to creativity, the Mint is encouraging Canadians to demonstrate their overwhelming pride for the best country in the world.”

As part of the contest, Canadian residents are invited to show what Canada means to them by entering designs for the five-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, one-dollar and two-dollar coins in the following theme categories until April 30:

Our Wonders: Canada’s beauty, from nature to monuments.

Our Character: Values or principles that define Canadian identity.

Our Achievements: Discoveries, exploration or victories Our Passions: From culture to sports, to pastimes.

Canada’s Future: Reserved for Canadians 12 and under for the 25-cent coin.

The Royal Canadian Mint and a panel of notable Canadians will select the finalists in each category. The winning design in each category will be decided by an online vote in September, 2015, and will earn a grand prize. Each circulation coin denomination will feature one of the winning designs in 2017.

To enter a design and to see the full contest rules, visit www.mint.ca/canada150.