Commemorative Quebec Twoonie

As part of its ongoing activities to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the Royal Canadian Mint ( RCM) is pleased to announce the commissioning of a commemorative 2-dollar circulation coin. Designed by Quebec jeweler Genevieve Bertrand, the coin will be officially unveiled this May at a ceremony in Quebec City. A total of six million of these commemorative coins, dated 2008, will be struck.

"The Royal Canadian Mint prides itself on celebrating the richness of Canada's historical, cultural and natural heritage on all its coins, therefore it is very fitting that such an important event in our country's history be featured on a coin which will be exchanged and collected by people in the Province of Quebec, as well as in the rest of Canada," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the RCM. "The City of Quebec, internationally
400th anniversary of Quebec City. famous for its historical significance and old European charm, is a tremendous source of pride for Canadians and we are delighted to be participating in its anniversary celebrations."

"The Royal Canadian Mint has created a beautiful commemorative coin which symbolizes the foundation of Quebec City, an important beginning in Quebec and Canadian history," said Alban D'Amours, President and CEO of the Desjardins Group. "As a major sponsor of Quebec City's 400th anniversary celebrations, I am proud that the Desjardins Group is supporting a commemorative coin launch which is meaningful to our collective history."

Once released in circulation in May, the new 400th Anniversary of Quebec
City coin will be exclusively distributed across Quebec through Desjardins
Group. This commemorative coin will also be distributed through Desjardins
Group across Ontario, and les caisses populaires acadiennes of New Brunswick and Canadians will also be encouraged to look for this coin in their change.