Royal Canadian Mint's Vancouver 2010 commemorative circulation coin program continues with 25-cent figure skating coin.

The Royal Canadian Mint's newest coin in the Vancouver 2010 collection is here! The sport of figure skating is depicted on the coin, which is the ninth of 17 circulation coins to commemorate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The launch of the coin was celebrated yesterday in Vancouver with area youth and Vancouver 2010 mascots Quatchi, Miga and Sumi.

"Canada has a very proud history in Olympic figure skating and the Mint is delighted to feature this popular winter sport in our extensive coin program," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Saving this special coin, along with the other coins in the Vancouver 2010 collection, is a unique way to build momentum as we await the Games and to generate luck for our athletes who will be competing in this momentous event in our nation's history."

Up to 22 million 25-cent figure skating coins will enter into circulation today and will be available exclusively at RBC branches and participating Petro-Canada outlets. RBC is a Premier National Partner and Petro-Canada is a National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Canadians can also look for these special coins in their change. Participating Petro-Canada gas stations will also sell figure skating sport cards, containing a uniquely painted version of the coin.

Olympic figure skating has four disciplines: men's and ladies' singles, pairs and ice dance. The sport first appeared on indoor ice rinks at the London 1908 Olympic Games with events for pairs and singles. Ice dancing joined the Olympic Winter Games in 1976, when the Games were held in Innsbruck, Austria. Canada's first figure skating Olympic gold medal was won at the 1948 Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland by Barbara Ann Scott, who captured the ladies' singles title.

Designed by Canadian artist Glenn Green of Vancouver, BC, the figure skating circulation coin features a pairs figure skating team in the centre, a stylized maple leaf and the words 'Vancouver 2010'. The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, rendered by Susanna Blunt.

During its three-year program, the Mint will put into circulation 17 coins in Canada featuring designs related to the 2010 Winter Games. Thirty-six limited mintage collector coins and sets will also be offered. Canadians from coast to coast can share in the pride and touch the Games by collecting and saving these special Canadian coins.

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