May 19, 2016 – With the Toronto Blue Jays back on another exciting hunt for the pennant in 2016, the Royal Canadian Mint is joining millions of fans in saying thanks for the thrills of the past and wishing them a great 40th season with a colourful new silver collector coin. This coin was recently revealed before fans gathered at Rogers Centre to watch “Canada’s Team” play a Friday night home game.
Canada / 20 Dollars / Silver .9999 / 31.39g / 38mm / Design: Joel Kimmel (reverse) and Susanna Blunt (obverse) / Mintage: 40,000.
Designed by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel, the 99.99% pure silver coin celebrating 40 years of Blue Jays history combines skillful engraving with the application of vibrant colour. A red and blue wave inspired by the team’s colours flows behind the silhouette of a player with the tell-tale stance of a homerun hitter. A large engraved “40” commemorates four decades of play since Toronto was granted its MLB franchise in 1976. The figure of the player is also flanked by the team’s official logo. The coin is limited to a mintage of 40,000.
From left: Royal Canadian Mint CEO Sandra Hanington, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Robert Witchel, Executive Director of Jays Care Foundation unveil a new silver collector coin at Rogers Centre to celebrate the 40th season of the Toronto Blue Jays.
“As the Minister of Finance, I am very pleased that the Mint is commemorating the 40th season of Canada’s baseball team with this beautiful new coin,” said the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance. “As the MP for Toronto Centre, I am thrilled to be celebrating the rich history and achievements of my hometown baseball team. The Toronto Blue Jays have inspired generations of Torontonians and Canadians alike, from their inception in 1976, to their back-to-back World Series wins in 1992 and 1993, to their exhilarating season last year. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate the Toronto Blue Jays on this important milestone and wish them the best of luck this season. Go Jays Go!”
“The Mint is proud to celebrate Canadian sports history through beautifully crafted coins which capture the spirit of cheering on our favourite teams and athletes,” said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “This new coin, proudly produced by our employees, is for all Canadians who love baseball and love the Blue Jays.”
“The support we’ve seen from fans across this country for the Blue Jays is incredible. We truly represent a nation,” said Anthony Partipilo, Vice-president, Marketing and Merchandise, Toronto Blue Jays. “We’re honoured the Royal Canadian Mint has chosen to commemorate our 40th season and that all Canadians have the opportunity to be a part of the celebration.”
From left: Royal Canadian Mint CEO Sandra Hanington, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Robert Witchel, Executive Director of Jays Care Foundation.
To recognize and support the Toronto Blue Jays in their charitable efforts to produce lasting social change for children and youth, the Royal Canadian Mint is proudly donating $25,000 to Jays Care Foundation.
Please find the Royal Canadian Mint’s website here.
And this is the Official Toronto Blue Jays Website.