New Coin to Celebrate 400th Anniversary of Quebec City, Features Work of Quebec Artist

The Royal Canadian Mint’s Newest Commemorative Circulation Coin Celebrates the 400th Anniversary of Quebec City and Features the Work of Talented Quebec Artist

Ottawa, Ontario. – As part of its ongoing activities to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) is pleased to announce the commissioning of a commemorative 2-dollar circulation coin. Designed by Quebec jeweller Geneviève Bertrand, the coin will be officially unveiled this May at a ceremony in Quebec City. A total of six million of these commemorative coins, dated 2008, will be struck.

"The Royal Canadian Mint prides itself on celebrating the richness of Canada’s historical, cultural and natural heritage on all its coins, therefore it is very fitting that such an important event in our country’s history be featured on a coin which will be exchanged and collected by people in the Province of Quebec, as well as in the rest of Canada," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the RCM. "The City of Quebec, internationally famous for its historical significance and old European charm, is a tremendous source of pride for Canadians and we are delighted to be participating in its anniversary celebrations.”

"The Royal Canadian Mint has created a beautiful commemorative coin which symbolizes the foundation of Quebec City, an important beginning in Quebec and Canadian history," said Alban D’Amours, President and CEO of the Desjardins Group. “As a major sponsor of Quebec City’s 400th anniversary celebrations, I am proud that the Desjardins Group is supporting a commemorative coin launch which is meaningful to our collective history.”

Once released in circulation in May, the new 400th Anniversary of Quebec City coin will be exclusively distributed across Quebec through Desjardins Group. This commemorative coin will also be distributed through Desjardins Group across Ontario, and les caisses populaires acadiennes of New Brunswick and Canadians will also be encouraged to look for this coin in their change.

Geneviève Bertrand was born in Quebec City in 1976. She completed her initial training as a jeweller at Quebec City’s Collège Limoilou in 2001 and has since been practicing her craft in St-Georges-de-Beauce, Quebec. She recently perfected her expertise through advanced training at the École de Joaillerie de Québec. Prior to submitting the final design for the 400th Anniversary of Quebec City circulation coin, Geneviève Bertrand distinguished herself as a finalist in several of Quebec’s top jewellery design competitions.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2000 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.