Royal Canadian Mint releases Black History Month coin

Royal_Canadian_Mint_Royal_Canadian_Mint_Dedicates_its_2020_Black

Mint releases Black History Month coin – Fredericton-born Willie O’Ree made sports and human rights history the moment he donned a Boston Bruins jersey and stepped onto the ice at the Montreal Forum on January 18, 1958. That night, O’Ree became the first black player to play in the NHL, inspiring generations of hockey players from diverse backgrounds to chase the tantalising dream of NHL stardom. 

The Mint is proud to celebrate this year’s Black History Month by preserving his groundbreaking legacy on a 99.99% pure silver coin, available to the public as of today. 

Willie O’Ree, Boston Bruins 20

“Diversity and inclusiveness are cherished Canadian values, and it is wonderful to see them come to life every time kids and adults of all backgrounds band together to play Canada’s game,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. 

“Willie O’Ree’s courageous determination to play at the highest level of professional hockey inspired generations of black players to carve their own paths as NHL legends.  The Mint is delighted to immortalise his special place in history on a skillfully crafted silver coin.”

Called up as a short-term replacement at the time of his historic 1958 NHL debut, O’Ree played 43 more games for the Boston Bruins during the 1960-61 season.  He scored four goals and 10 assists while enduring racist taunts by opposing players and fans. Traded to the Montreal Canadiens, O’Ree played 14 seasons in the minors before calling it a career in 1979.

O’Ree returned to the NHL in 1998 as an ambassador for diversity, a role he continues to serve today. He inspired the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award and received both the Order of Canada and Order of New Brunswick. O’Ree’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizes his far-reaching impact on the game.

Mint releases Black History Month coin

“I am humbled and beyond grateful to have my image displayed on the Canadian silver coin,” said O’Ree.

The reverse design of the 2020 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Black History Month: Willie O’Ree features an engraved player portrait of Hockey Hall of Famer Willie O’Ree. His signature appears above his jersey number (22), while the Boston Bruins® team logo forms a repeating field pattern. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Mint releases Black History Month coin

Limited to a mintage of 5,500, the Willie O’Ree fine silver coin retails for $99.95.  It can be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. The coin is also available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.  

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © NHL 2020.  All Rights Reserved.

About Black History Month
The origins of Black History Month are traced to Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson who, in 1926, proposed setting aside a period of time to honour the accomplishments of African Americans and raise awareness of Black history.  A similar observance soon followed in Canada.  After the unanimous approval of a motion proposed by Senator Donald Oliver in February 2008, the month of February was officially declared Black History Month in Canada.

About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint

Other articles:

WE Day Montreal 2020 is complete – it was a day to remember!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
safest cities

Why Montreal is one of the safest cities to visit in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, Montreal has been ranked the sixth safest cities to travel to in 2025, according to a recent report by insurance company Berkshire Hathaway. When you break it down, Montreal’s safety is a combination of aspects that makes this city a favourite destination among safety-conscious travelers. Here’s a look

dermal fillers

The ultimate guide to dermal fillers: Are they worth it?

For decades now, dermal fillers have remained the go-to treatment for fighting the signs of aging, such as lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Apart from these, they are also extensively used to elevate some facial features by adding contour and volume to areas like lips, cheeks, and chin. Although the average cost of a dermal filler

Winnipeg’s Bold Commerce announces new PayPal integrations

Winnipeg’s Bold Commerce announces new PayPal integrations

Bold Commerce has built on its existing long-standing relationship with financial services platform PayPal. The firm has announced that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada currently using its OpenCart and Gravity Forms solutions will benefit from the integration of PayPal’s full payments suite. This includes digital wallets, Venmo, Fastlane, as well as its Buy

Montreal Bungee

Montreal Bungee jumping in the Old Port of Montreal

Get ready, Montreal! The team behind MTL Zipline is taking adrenaline to new heights with Montreal Bungee, a bold new attraction launching in Spring 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Old Port, this is not just another thrill ride—it’s an experience that redefines adventure. Perched at the Convoyeur Tower, the tallest urban jump in Canada

Interpol notices

Understanding Interpol notices and their impact on legal cases

Interpol is the largest international organization facilitating cooperation among law enforcement agencies in over 190 countries. Its notices serve as tools for tracking suspects, locating missing persons, and pursuing international criminals. However, for ordinary citizens, encountering the Interpol system can be challenging and stressful, especially if the notice comes as a surprise. Such situations often

Mtltimes Subscription

The latest on what’s moving Montreal and the world – delivered straight to your inbox