International Year of Older Persons:

The Royal Canadian Mint has released a special edition sterling coin in celebration of older Canadians.

“This beautiful coin is a tangible reminder of what the year’s activities stand for,” said the Honourable Flora MacDonald, co-chair (with Don Harron) of the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). “It shows support for the concept of ‘A Society For All Ages’,” she said, referring to Canada’s IYOP theme.

The reverse of the silver dollar coin portrays a man and a woman, in their golden years, travelling the path of life. The light, airy lines of the trees are intended to evoke a sense of movement – the new vitality of this colourful period of life. The people in the design represent all humans and ethnic groups. The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Door de Pedery-Hunt.