CALGARY, Alberta, July 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- One hundred years
after Calgarians chose to dedicate the greatest outdoor show on
earth to Canada's returning First
World War soldiers, the Mint has issued a new silver coin
commemorating the historic Victory Stampede of 1919. The coin was
unveiled yesterday evening at Stampede Park's Military display,
which showcases and honours Canada's Armed Forces.
"The Calgary Stampede is an unforgettable celebration of
Alberta's pioneering spirit and
thriving western culture," said Marie
Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "As
this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Victory
Stampede, this coin is also a great way to remember the soldiers
who defended our freedoms and values in the First World War."
"The 1919 Victory Stampede offered a place for everyone to come
together and celebrate following the Great War. One-hundred
years later and we continue to be a gathering place for our
community," says Dana Peers,
President & Chairman of the Board of the Calgary
Stampede. "We are very proud of our history and to have it
recognized with a commemorative coin is very special."
Calgary artist Michelle Grant's design on the reverse of this
99.99% pure silver coin captures the excitement of the roping
competition, which was one of many rodeo events on the Victory
Stampede program. The 57,000 spectators in attendance on the
last week of August 1919, were
regaled by cowboys and cowgirls showing off their skills in bronco
riding, fancy roping, trick riding, relay races and
more. Building on the success of that historic event, the
Calgary Stampede became an annual tradition.
In the foreground of this classic Stampede scene, a selectively
gold-plated cowboy riding atop his galloping steed tightly holds
the reins in one hand while the other twirls a stranded rawhide
lariat traditionally used for roping livestock. The rim of the
coin itself emulates the stranded pattern of the lariat. The
background is filled with spectators admiring the show from the
original grandstands.
"The Canadian Army is once again truly honoured by its
partnerships with the Calgary Stampede and the Royal Canadian
Mint," said Brigadier General Stephen
Lacroix, Commander, 3rd Canadian Division/Joint Task Force
West and Honorary Stampede Parade Marshal. "We are humbled by the
support of Canadians coast to coast to coast, and are looking
forward to commemorating this 100th anniversary of the Calgary
Stampede in true Albertan fashion as the 'Army of the West'."
The 2019 $20 Fine Silver Coin –
Victory Stampede has a limited mintage of 6,500 and retails for
$119.95. From July 5 to 7, the Royal Canadian Mint is retailing
this coin, along with many other exceptional collectibles at BMO
Marketplace, in the heart of Stampede Park.
The Mint is also returning to Calgary for the Royal Canadian Numismatic
Association's 2019 convention, from July 18 to 20, 2019, where the Victory Stampede
coin and other fine collectibles will be showcased and sold. There
will also be a display of exciting innovations from the Mint's R+D
Lab, as well as coin exchanges where visitors can acquire the new
Equality and D-Day 75th anniversary circulation
coins. For more information, visit
https://www.rcna.ca/2019/program.php.
The Victory Stampede coin may also be purchased by contacting
the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at
www.mint.ca. The coin is also available at the Royal Canadian
Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and
Winnipeg, as well as through the
Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including
participating Canada Post outlets.
Images of the Victory Stampede coin are available at
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gobqj6jhq24g6ot/AABEIA6ZGIJURm2NR8XJ32Mha?dl=0
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint
is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and
distribution of Canada's
circulation coins. 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, its
products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Media are asked to contact:
Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public
Affairs
Telephone: +1-613-884-6370
reeves@mint.ca