Unveiling of Royal Wedding Coins
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, attended the unveiling of two Royal Wedding coins at the Royal Canadian Mint. For this special occasion, the Governor General delivered a speech: "It is a pleasure to be with you here today for the unveiling of two commemorative coins in honour of the upcoming Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. It is also my pleasure to strike one on this occasion, as past governors general have done. This wedding is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to the Crown and to celebrate our rich history."
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The Governor General and Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Royal Canadian Mint Mr. James Love (left) unveiled together the first Royal Wedding commemorative coin, a 20 dollar pure silver coin featuring an eye-catching sapphire-coloured crystal enhancement symbolizing the world-renowned 18-carat sapphire engagement ring which Prince William presented to his fiancée in October 2010.
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The Governor General and Mr. Love then proceeded with the unveiling of the second Royal Wedding coin, which is a coloured 25-cent nickel plated steel coin vividly depicting a photograph of the couple.
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It is with great pride that His Excellency struck the first Royal Wedding coin minted in honour of His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton’s wedding.
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At the opening ceremonies for the Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint on January 2, 1908, former governor general Earl Grey struck the Dominion’s first domestically produced coin: a silver 50 cent piece bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Edward VII.
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His Excellency proudly showed to media the coin in the presence of Mr. Love (right) and President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint Mr. Ian Bennett (left).
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The design was created by accomplished Canadian artist and coin designer Laurie McGraw of Guelph, Ontario, and expertly engraved by Royal Canadian Mint Engraver Josie Osio.
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The Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton will take place at Westminster Abbey, in London, on April 29, 2011.
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