Royal Canadian Mint Wishes Canada’s Athletes Luck With the 2012 Lucky Looney Circulation Coin

Calgary, Alberta – July 19, 2012 - The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to issue Canada’s  latest commemorative circulation coin, the 2012 Lucky Loonie. The coin, which was unveiled  today at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, will serve as a good luck charm for Canadian  athletes competing in London at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Our Government will soon join Canadians from coast to coast to coast as they cheer on our  athletes competing in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Deepak  Obhrai, Member of Parliament for Calgary East. “The 2012 Lucky Loonie is yet another way  to demonstrate our pride in Team Canada’s dedication and hard work in training for these  Games.”
“Canada is once again fielding a strong and skilled team for London and the Mint is proud to  honour them with a special coin that is a reflection of their talent and commitment to being  the best,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “To wish  them luck as they represent Canada, each member of the Canadian team will receive a  Lucky Loonie upon their arrival in London.”
In what is now a legendary tale, a Loonie was buried at centre ice prior to the 2002 Olympic  Winter Games in Salt Lake City to bring good luck to Canada’s gold medal-winning men’s  and women’s hockey teams. The Mint has since produced a Lucky Loonie circulation coin  for each subsequent Games.
The 2012 Lucky Loonie circulation coin features the iconic loon as it spreads its majestic  wings while sitting on rippling Canadian lake waters. Designed by artist Emily S. Damstra,  the coin also features the Canadian Olympic Team logo, in celebration and support of  Canada’s athletes. Five million 2012 Lucky Loonies have been produced and will enter into  circulation beginning today. Canadians are encouraged to look for the coin in their change.  “I encourage all Canadians to show their support by adding the 2012 Lucky Loonie to their  collection of keepsake coins,” said Shelly Glover, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface.  “Join us in showing our athletes in London how proud we are of them and that we wish them  the best of luck.”
To learn more about the Lucky Loonie, please visit www.mint.ca/luckyloonie.
About the Royal Canadian Mint  

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and  distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint 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.  For more information on the Mint’s history, its products and services, please visit  www.mint.ca.

Tags: Canada, Circulation Coin, Commemorative Coin, Lucky Loonie, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Royal Canadian Mint