Special Poppy Coin issued to

Ken Johnston

The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and it is now being displayed on Canadian Quarters.
Last Thursday the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled what is being billed as the “World’s First Coloured Circulation coin.”
The quarter is available at the Rainy River Legion individually or in rolls of 40. The coin features a uniquely painted red poppy in the center of a maple leaf on one side and the queen on one side.
The coloured poppy uses a special pressurized ink and an innovative fluorescent security coating. However, Legions across the country received the coins ahead of the launch and some, including the Rainy River Legion have expressed dissatisfaction with the paint on the coins. It comes off with little effort. However, without the paint a silver poppy is etched into the coin’s surface.
In addition to collecting the individual and rolls of coins 10,000 first day issues are available from the Royal Canadian Mint (www.mint.ca). People can also order a special collector’s card, free of charge from the mint or send an electronic poppy coin to friends via email.
The coin has been created to pay homage to the 117,000 Canadians that have died since World War I in the name of freedom. “The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to issue the Poppy coin.” The unveiling took place in the Minto Armoury in Winnipeg. Not only is Winnipeg where the coin is being made, it is the home of where the Canadian Legion started in 1925.
2004 is the 90th anniversary of the beginning of WWI and the 60th anniversary of D-day. The Rainy River Legion ordered 2,200 of the quarters. Every member will receive one coin and can purchase more of them at the club while supplies last. The coins are also being offered for sale at Tim Horton’s across the country and eventually will be available at financial institutions.
They are being made to meet demand, so a definite number of how many will be produced is not available at this time.