“Money Makes the World Go Round,” an original song written, performed and produced by Mark Keefner of West Hills, Calif., was awarded first place in the American Numismatic Association’s 2008 National Coin Week theme contest. “Money Makes the World Go Round” is the theme of National Coin Week, held April 20-26.

Keefner receives the contest’s grand prize, a one-half ounce gold American Eagle proof coin. Mitch Ernst of Omaha, Neb., also submitted “Money Makes the World Go Round,” and receives a one-quarter ounce gold American Eagle proof coin. “Be a History Teacher: Give a Kid a Coin,” submitted by Greg Roberts of Glendale, Wis., placed third; Roberts receives a one-tenth ounce gold American Eagle proof coin.

“I’m honored and elated to have provided this year’s theme,” said Keefner, who gave the first-ever musical submission in an ANA theme contest. “As the song says, money is a symbol of value, faith and trust, and teaches us about world history, commerce and art.”

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Ottawa, Ontario, December 21, 2007 - Under the theme Our Values, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) will be launching an all-new ad campaign for Quebec on December 27, 2007. The campaign’s spokesperson will be none other than popular TV host and producer Véronique Cloutier, who has signed on to represent the RCM for three years.

The RCM’s choice of this public figure, a media personality the people of Quebec have practically watched grow up on TV, is in line with the new communication platform that the Royal Canadian Mint developed for the Quebec market.

One of the primary objectives of the campaign is to increase awareness and understanding of the various roles played by the RCM, and consequently, to create an emotional bond with the people of Quebec.

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