Title of stamp: Royal Canadian Mint: 1908-2008
Issue date: June 4, 2008

Heads or tails?

When you see the word “Canadian” in this very well-known institution’s name, you might be inclined to think that the Royal Canadian Mint makes coins only for our country. In fact, the Royal Canadian Mint also makes circulation and collector coins for dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East.

The Royal Canadian Mint is recognized throughout the world for producing high-quality and innovative products. For example, it created the world’s first coloured circulation coin—the 2004 Remembrance Day quarter featuring a red poppy. In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint became the first to strike a coin made of 99.999 per cent pure gold. What else is so special about this gold coin? Well, it also weighs 100 kilograms and has a face value of $1 million. How would you like to add this monster coin to your piggybank!

In June 2008, Canada Post will issue a domestic rate (52¢) stamp to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint and its rich history, from striking its very first domestically produced coin in 1908 (a 50-cent piece) to the many lovely circulation and commemorative coins it produces today.