Canadian Ingenuity Coin Released in February

The February 2000 Canada 25-cent coin may be titled "Ingenuity," but the launch of the coin by the Royal Canadian Mint on Feb. 4 in Windsor, Ontario, might also earn the same title for the Mint’s marketing staff.

The RCM is known for its innovations not only in coin launches and associated marketing, but for modern techniques applied to coin manufacture. The RCM almost outdid itself by launching its Ingenuity 25-cent coin while applying its own marketing ingenuity by unveiling the coin at the local DaimlerChrysler Canada assembly plant near the Mint.

DaimlerChrysler Canada President and CEO Edwin Brust said of the coin launch event, "DaimlerChrysler Canada is pleased to join the Royal Canadian Mint in saluting Canadian ingenuity with the launch of this special coin. We’re proud of having taken a leading role in some of the automotive industry’s great accomplishments, including the creation of the minivan market. We salute artist John Jaciw’s vision."

Jaciw, who designed the reverse of the circulating commemorative coin, may not exactly be a household name to coin collectors, but collectors may recognize some of his other work. Jaciw, whose design was chosen from among 33,000 entries in a nationwide design competition for the 12 25-cent coins for 2000, designed bottles, labels, gift packages and holiday decanters for Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd. for 30 years.

I’ll drink to that!

Jaciw has also designed greeting cards, plaques, charitable stamps, book covers and more. Born in Ukraine, Jaciw immigrated to Canada in 1949. Since then he has attended the Creative School of Art in Edmonton and Meizinger Art School in Detroit.

Jaciw now lives in Windsor, Ontario.

Jaciw’s Ingenuity reverse coin design depicts a model society of prosperous farms, innovative cities, rapid safe transportation and an eye towards space in four crescent "waves."

The obverse of each coin depicts the Dora dePedery-Hunt crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right as appears on all Canadian coins.

There are several distinctive features that distinguish the 2000 25-cent coins from the 1999 series honoring Canada’s past. Aside from the fact the first set of coins looks back in time versus the 2000 focus on the future, the new coins will also introduce something never before seen on Canadian coins; words engraved on the coins that reflect Canadian themes and values.

Each of the 12 25-cent coins being released at a rate of one per month throughout 2000 highlights a value identified by Canadians as the foundation for the nation’s heritage and one of the building blocks for its future. The January coin, as an example, profiles pride. Over the course of the year, the designs chosen to adorn Canada’s millennium coins will highlight other themes such as freedom, harmony, creativity and community.

Starting in January, the coins are launched one at a time accompanied by special celebrations hosted in the home community of the winning artist. As with the 1999 series, the new millennium coins will feature the artists’ initials.

The RCM’s 2000 numismatic products can be purchased through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, directly through the Mint by telephoning toll free (800) 268-6468 in the United States [Toll free(800) 267-1871 in Canada.] or at the RCM Web site www.rcmint.ca.

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