2006 Canadian Snowbirds Stamp and Coin Set
 With their exciting loops, breathtaking rolls and awe-inspiring nine-jet formations, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team (431 Squadron) are arguably the pre-eminent aerobatic demon-stration team in the world. For the past 35 years, the Snowbirds, in their distinctive red, white and blue aircraft, have captivated millions of spectators with displays of aerial perfection that exemplify the skill, professionalism and teamwork of the Canadian Forces. |
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In recognition of this truly Canadian icon, Canada Post has worked together with the Royal Canadian Mint and the Snowbirds to create a limited-edition Canadian Forces Snowbirds stamp and coin set. This distinctive collectible set comes in an embossed metallic box in the shape of the Snowbirds logo. The set includes a 99.99% pure silver $5.00 double hologram coin, a pair of mint condition 51¢ stamps, a souvenir sheet, a beautiful information booklet containing stunning photographs and many historical facts about the Snowbirds, and a numbered plaque. |
 "Perhaps the most exciting thing about this whole project was our close collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mint and the Snowbirds to make this one of the most unique stamp and coin sets we've ever produced," explains Canada Post's Assistant Product Manager Nathalie Bédard. "One of the most striking aspects of these sets is that each one also contains a souvenir sheet that was flown onboard a Snowbirds Tutor jet. We couldn't have done that without a lot of help from the Snowbirds and especially their coordinator Lieutenant Petra Smith."
On March 27, 2006, the souvenir sheets were loaded into two CT-1 14 Tutor jets by Sergeant Dave Scharf and Master Corporal Terry Allain, and taken into the air as part of a Snowbirds' routine formation flying training exercise. The jets were piloted by Captain
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Gregg Wiebe, Standards Pilot, and Captain Jody McKinnon, Snowbird 11. During the one-hour training mission, the souvenir sheets withstood up to five "G's" and 120 degrees of bank as the jets flew at airspeeds in excess of 300 knots in wingtip formation. Flying the souvenir sheets more than 350 kilometres over the beautiful snow-covered Prairies landscape around Moose Jaw was both exciting and historical for the Snowbirds and Canada Post.
"It was a tremendous honour to fly and bring life to the Snowbirds souvenir sheets," says Capt. McKinnon.
"It's fantastic to have the opportunity to be a part of this initiative, which pays tribute to all Snowbirds."
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 The keepsake souvenir sheets, which are available only with the Snowbirds stamp and coin set, feature the two action-packed domestic rate (51 ) commemorative Snowbirds stamps issued on June 28, 2006.
Designed by Wade Stewart and Tilt Telmet of Toronto's Telmet Design Associates, the first stamp of the pair provides a first-hand view of the Snowbirds in flight from a pilot's perspective. At first glance, the second stamp appears to show only three planes; however, a closer look reveals a number of ghosted planes representing the Snowbirds' nine-plane formation, a hallmark pattern of this world-famous flying team.
Multiple layering and other special techniques transform simple photographs into translucent painterly images to create an almost ethereal view of the Snowbirds in flight.
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"To see the souvenir sheets loaded into the Tutor jets and take off was an overwhelming experience," says Richard McCorkell, Canada Post's Senior Manager of Stamp Services. "This is a wonderful initiative, because it gives Canadians an opportunity to own a unique piece of Canadiana that has flown in a Snowbirds jet."
The unique cancel on the souvenir sheets, which denotes each as being one of the 25,555 having flown with the Snowbirds, is a representation of the crest of 431 Squadron. Completing the cancel is the date on which the souvenir sheets took to the air.
"We are tremendously proud to have an official Canada Post Snowbirds stamp honouring the Squadron's tradition of excellence," says Major Ian McLean, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "It's an honour for the Squadron to be recognized with a commemorative stamp, especially in light of our important mission of representing all men and women in Canada's military."
Only 25,555 sets available worldwide.
Coin and uniquely cancelled souvenir sheet are available only with this set.
Canada Post and the Royal Canadian Mint celebrate a true Canadian icon with this Canadian Forces Snowbirds stamp and coin set. Presented in a silver metal box in the shape of the Snowbirds logo, this unique collectible stamp and coin set includes. -
- A souvenir sheet, uniquely cancelled to identify it as one of only 25,555 that were flown onboard two Snowbirds Tutor jets on March 27, 2006, at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
- A 99.99% fine silver $5.00 double hologram coin.
- A pair of mint-condition 51 stamps.
- A 20-page information booklet packed with fascinating details and photos about the Snowbirds aerobatic team, the stamps and the coin.
- A numbered plaque.
$69.95 CDN
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