#Canada #Royal Canadian Mint #Ottawa #Year of the Dragon #Mint Directors Conference

Royal Canadian Mint Achieves Global Recognition

On May 1, 2025, the Royal Canadian Mint proudly announced it had won two prestigious awards at the 2025 Mint Directors Conference (MDC), held annually to honor excellence in coin manufacturing.

This year, the Mint earned accolades for its Best Commemorative Silver Coin and Best Collaboration Coin, showcasing its innovative spirit and dedication to artistry in numismatics. The awards recognized a remarkable $50 Pure Silver Coin, commemorating the Year of the Dragon and its partnership with McGill University for environmentally sustainable gold refining practices.

A Symbol of Craftsmanship

The awarded $50 Silver Coin features an incredibly intricate design depicting a dragon, standing as the fifth sign in the Chinese zodiac. This remarkable piece has a high relief on both sides, reaching an astonishing height of 4.7 mm, effectively capturing the majesty of the mythical creature. Designed by the talented Canadian artist, Simon Ng, the coin's reverse presents the dragon amid clouds under a moonlit sky, its tail elegantly forming the lucky number eight. The obverse showcases the same scene from a different perspective, paired with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt, surrounded by decorative elements signifying the four distinct effigies that have adorned Canadian coins throughout history.

Emphasizing Sustainability

Beyond artistic innovation, the Royal Canadian Mint also makes strides in sustainable practices. Collaborating with the Department of Chemistry at McGill University, the Mint aims to revolutionize gold refining by replacing the traditional Miller chlorination process, which relies on toxic chlorine gas. Instead, their new technology employs a less harmful acoustically mechano-chemical process that dramatically reduces the use of chlorine, making it a safer option for both workers and the environment.

The Mint's initiative builds upon its previous efforts in 2019, which successfully cut chlorine usage in Ottawa's refining operations by over 50%. These efforts reflect the Mint's commitment to finding eco-friendly methods that uphold both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

A Commitment to Excellence

Marie Lemay, the President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, expressed pride in the awards, stating, “At the Royal Canadian Mint, we are passionate about innovating to showcase the excellence and artistry of our globally renowned numismatic products, as well as the sustainability of our processes. Receiving recognition in two award categories validates our commitment to delighting our customers and advancing responsible practices in coinage.”

The 2025 Mint Directors Conference serves as a platform not only to celebrate the industry’s achievements but also to exchange knowledge about the evolving world of coin design, production, packaging, and distribution. Winning these awards at such an esteemed gathering further cements the Mint's reputation as a leader in the numismatic field.

More on the Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the government entity responsible for crafting and distributing Canada’s circulating coins and is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most versatile mints. It produces award-winning collectibles, industry-leading bullion, and prestigious military and civilian honors. Additionally, the Mint integrates environmental, social, and governance best practices into all facets of its operations, striving to make a positive impact on communities and the environment.

For more details on products and services, visit www.mint.ca and follow the Royal Canadian Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.