Photo Credit: Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint Celebrates CN's Nation-Building Legacy on the Occasion of its 100th Annivers


Monday, 13 May 2019 02:15.PM

The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled two special collector coins to celebrate CN's significant contributions to building a stronger and more prosperous country over the last 100 years. In recognition of this milestone anniversary, the Mint joined CN employees at the Claude Mongeau National Training Centre in Winnipeg today to release a vividly coloured coin with a face value of 25 cents, as well as an evocative gold coin with a $200 face value.

"CN has a fascinating history of connecting Canadians on many different levels," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "It is my hope that with these beautiful coins, Canadians will share the story of CN's important role in developing Canada's economy and sense of national identity."

The 25-cent coin was designed by Canadian artist Tony Bianco, whose father worked at the CN railyards in Toronto as a new immigrant to Canada. With a specimen finish and selective colour, the design features two locomotives that are the famed workhorses of CN's vast rail network. The Dash 9 diesel-electric CN 2557 engine still plies the rails today, while the steam-powered Northern CN 6218 pays tribute to the golden age of rail passenger travel. Limited to a mintage of 30,000, this nickel-plated steel coin retails for $29.95. It can be ordered as of today.

The Mint has also issued a half-ounce, 99.99% pure gold coin also designed by Bianco. Traditionally engraved against a mirror-like proof background, it features a trio of CN locomotives evoking the past and present: a Class U-4-a Confederation steam locomotive, a steam-powered U-1-f Class Bullet Nose Betty, and a modern six-axle ES44DC Evolution Series diesel locomotive Limited to a mintage of 1,000, the coin retails for $1,199.95.