Canada's Athletes Luck with the 2012 Lucky Loonie Circulation Coin

Calgary, Alberta – July 19, 2012 - The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to issue Canada’s latest commemorative circulation coin, the 2012 Lucky Loonie. The coin, which was unveiled today at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, will serve as a good luck charm for Canadian athletes competing in London at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Our Government will soon join Canadians from coast to coast to coast as they cheer on our athletes competing in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Deepak Obhrai, Member of Parliament for Calgary East. “The 2012 Lucky Loonie is yet another way to demonstrate our pride in Team Canada’s dedication and hard work in training for these Games.”

“Canada is once again fielding a strong and skilled team for London and the Mint is proud to honour them with a special coin that is a reflection of their talent and commitment to being the best,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “To wish them luck as they represent Canada, each member of the Canadian team will receive a Lucky Loonie upon their arrival in London.”

In what is now a legendary tale, a Loonie was buried at centre ice prior to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City to bring good luck to Canada’s gold medal-winning men’s and women’s hockey teams. The Mint has since produced a Lucky Loonie circulation coin for each subsequent Games.

The 2012 Lucky Loonie circulation coin features the iconic loon as it spreads its majestic wings while sitting on rippling Canadian lake waters. Designed by artist Emily S. Damstra, the coin also features the Canadian Olympic Team logo, in celebration and support of Canada’s athletes. Five million 2012 Lucky Loonies have been produced and will enter into circulation beginning today. Canadians are encouraged to look for the coin in their change.

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1 Dollar - Elizabeth II Lucky Loonie
KM# 1256

Features
Country Canada
Years 2012-2014
Value 1 Dollar
1 CAD = 0.94 USD
Metal Brass plated Steel
Weight 6.27 g
Diameter 26.5 mm
Thickness 1.95 mm
Engravers
- Susanna Blunt (obverse)
- Emily S. Damstra (reverse)
Shape Hendecagonal (11-sided)
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑

Commemorative issue
2012 Summer Olympics, London; 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi
Obverse
Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right.

Lettering:
ELIZABETH II
D.G.REGINA
2012

Reverse
Loon rising from the water and Olympic logo above, to the left. New laser engraving feature is above the loon's head.

Lettering:
CANADA
DOLLAR

Edge
Smooth

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