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The Royal Canadian Mint Introduces Canada's Newest 25-Cent Circulation Coin
Medal of Bravery coin pays tribute to everyday heroes

OTTAWA, Oct. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today
introduced its newest commemorative circulation coin. The 25-cent coin
features a depiction of the Medal of Bravery and pays tribute to everyday
Canadians who risk their lives to save or protect others. The Medal of Bravery
is one of three Decorations for Bravery awarded by the Governor General of
Canada. The coin was presented at Rideau Hall, following the ceremony
honouring this year's recipients of the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage
and the Medal of Bravery.
Up to 20 million 25-cent Medal of Bravery coins will enter into
circulation today and Canadians are encouraged to look for it in their change.
"The 2006 Medal of Bravery circulation coin will serve as a lasting
expression of gratitude to Canada's everyday heroes and is a tribute to their
courage that defines this nation," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible
for the Royal Canadian Mint.
"The Royal Canadian Mint invites Canadians to join together in
recognizing the everyday heroes in their lives, as exemplified by the
recipients of the Medal of Bravery," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of
the Royal Canadian Mint. "Employees of the Mint are extremely proud to be
involved in this initiative."
In keeping with the RCM's objective of commemorating significant people,
places and events in Canadian history, the Medal of Bravery coin is the latest
addition to the RCM's "Canadian Heroes" series, which has included the 25-cent
Year of the Veteran and the one-dollar Terry Fox commemorative circulation
coins in 2005. The "Canadian Heroes" series salutes heroes, both past and
present.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll, established the Medal of Bravery in 1972
as part of the Canadian Honours System. It is awarded by the Governor General
of Canada to recognize acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
In addition to the circulation coin, the Royal Canadian Mint is offering
a range of 2006 Medal of Bravery collectibles: the Official First Day Coin
($15.95), the Special Edition Proof Silver Dollar ($54.95), the Limited
Edition Proof Silver Dollar with Enamel-Effect ($109.95) and the Special Wrap
Circulation Roll ($15.95).

The RCM, 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 RCM 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 RCM, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.
For more information on the Decorations for Bravery, please visit the
Governor General of Canada's website at http://www.gg.ca/menu_e.asp.

Images and product details of the RCM's newest collection are available
by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2006@ftp.mint.ca.


<<
Backgrounder

CANADA'S NEWEST 25-CENT CIRCULATION COIN
PAYS TRIBUTE TO EVERYDAY HEROES

On October 13, 2006, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) introduced its newest
commemorative circulation coin. The 2006 25-cent Medal of Bravery coin pays
tribute to everyday Canadians who risk their lives to save or protect others.
The coin was presented at Rideau Hall, following the ceremony honouring this
year's recipients of the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage and the Medal of
Bravery.
Up to 20 million Medal of Bravery coins have entered into circulation and
Canadians are encouraged to look for it in their change.

Design

Engraved by the RCM's Director of Engraving and Master Engraver, Mr. Cosme
Saffioti and Apprentice Engraver, Konrad Wachelko, the coin features a
depiction of the Medal of Bravery, which includes a maple leaf surrounded by a
wreath of laurel. The obverse of the coin features the portrait of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Circulation Coin Specifications

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 25-cent Medal of Bravery circulation coin
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Face value: 25 cents
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Mintage: 20,000,000
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Finish: Circulation
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Composition: Three-ply nickel finish plated steel
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight (g): 4.4g
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diameter (mm): 23.88 mm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edge: Serrated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Artist: Cosme Saffioti
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Numismatic Products

In addition to the circulation coin, the Royal Canadian Mint is offering a
range of 2006 Medal of Bravery collectibles: the Official First Day Coin
($15.95), the Special Edition Proof Silver Dollar ($54.95), the Limited
Edition Proof Silver Dollar with Enamel-Effect ($109.95) and the Special Wrap
Circulation Roll $15.95.
All RCM products are available directly from the RCM by calling
1-800-267-1871 in Canada, or 1-800-268-6468 in the US, by visiting the RCM
online at www.mint.ca, by visiting the RCM's boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg,
or through the RCM's global network of dealers and distributors.

Background - Decorations for Bravery

Created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, Decorations for Bravery
recognize people who risked their lives to save or protect another. Three
medals are awarded by the Governor-General of Canada for acts of bravery,
including the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage and the Medal of Bravery.

- Cross of Valour
Awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances
of extreme peril

- Star of Courage
Awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril

- Medal of Bravery
Awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances
>>

Since inception, more than 2,500 people have received Decorations for
Bravery. The Governor General personally presents the decorations in
ceremonies held at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, or at La Citadelle, in Québec City.

For more information on the Decorations for Bravery, please visit the
Governor General of Canada's website at http://www.gg.ca/menu_e.asp.

For more information on the RCM, its products and services, visit
www.mint.ca.



For further information: Christine Aquino, Senior Manager, Corporate
Communications, (613) 993-9999, (613) 991-5342, aquino@mint.ca; Lucie
Brosseau, Rideau Hall Press Office, (613) 998-0287, www.gg.ca