Veterans To be Honoured

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Royal Canadian Mint Honours Canada's Veterans by Introducing Four Collector Products
OTTAWA, March 18 /CNW Telbec/ - To celebrate the Year of the Veteran and
the 60th Anniversary of the World War II Allied victory, the Royal Canadian
Mint will be introducing four collector and consumer products throughout 2005.
"Sixty years ago, thousands of young Canadians fought for world peace and
freedom and their collective accomplishments brought honour and respect to our
country", said David C. Dingwall, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian
Mint. "They deserve to be forever thanked and remembered."
All of the Mint's products listed below are available directly from the
Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet
at www.mint.ca . The coins are also available at selected Canada Post outlets
and retailers.

2005 Five-Cent Sterling Silver Coin and Medallion Set - VE Day
Celebrations

The 2005 5-Cent Sterling Silver Coin and Medallion Set includes a five-
cent coin with the 1945 Victory Nickel design struck in sterling silver and
double-dated (1945-2005) to highlight this special anniversary year. The
Victory Nickel features the late King George VI on the obverse - the first
time a non-reigning monarch appears on coinage. The set also includes a bronze
medallion with images of the Land, Air, and Sea forces and the late King
George VI on the obverse. In addition, a comprehensive 36-page illustrated
booklet detailing Canada's role leading up to the end of the war in Europe.
With unlimited mintage, this remarkable collectible set will be available
as of April 4, 2005 for $29.95 CDN.

2005 Five-Dollar Silver Coin - 60th Anniversary of the End of the Second
World War

In the six years of conflict, Canada had enlisted more than one million
men and women in her armed forces. Of these, more than 45,000 gave their lives
in the cause of peace and freedom. This very special commemorative coin
salutes these Canadian heroes.
This 99.99% fine silver five-dollar coin was designed by Peter Mossman
and depicts Canada's Air, Land and Sea forces against a maple leaf and the
letter V for victory. Limited to 25,000 worldwide, this coin will be available
as of April 4, 2005 for $39.95 CDN.

2005 50-Cent Sterling Silver Six-Coin Set - 60th Anniversary of the End
of the Second World War

Canada played a crucial role in the Allied victory over the Nazis in
World War II. The achievements of our young nation were remarkable. The
struggles of Canadians who served in the Canadian Armed Forces were not in
vain - every battle they waged, every inch of ground they gained contributed
to the victory for the Allies.
This exceptional six-coin set revisits pivotal events in which Canadians
participated during the Second World War: the Battle of Britain, the
Liberation of the Netherlands, the Conquest of Sicily, the Battle of the
Scheldt, the Raid on Dieppe, and the Battle of the Atlantic. Designed by Peter
Mossman, this commemorative sterling silver six-coin set is limited to 20,000
worldwide and is available for $149.95 CDN. From May to October 2005, a
special commemorative coin will be released every month to complete the
series. The first issue released in May 2005 marks the Battle of Britain.

2005 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Set - 60 Years of Liberation: The
Netherlands and Canada

The Canadian Armed Forces played a leading role in the liberation of the
Netherlands that was completed on May 5, 1945. This special edition set pays
tribute to our Canadian heroes and celebrates the enduring friendship these
two nations share.
This 2005 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Set features a Canadian 25-cent
sterling silver coin with eight brilliant uncirculated Euro coins, and a
commemorative Royal Dutch Mint medallion. Limited to 17,500 sets worldwide,
this commemorative collection will be available as of April 4, 2005 for $49.95
CDN.
The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown
Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's
circulation coins. In operation since 1908, the Royal Canadian 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 Royal
Canadian Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca .



For further information: Pam Aung Thin, Vice-President Communications,
(613) 993-5092, (613) 991-5342, Cellular: (613) 220-5096, aungthin@mint.ca;
Archived images on this organization are available through CNW Photo Archive
at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to members of media./