This new design by Nova Scotia marine artist Yves Bérubé is being issued in celebration of Bluenose's 100th anniversary.
To add to this historic occasion, the Mint is also launching Canada's first-ever coloured dimes, featuring a touch of blue that brings to life the North Atlantic waters that Bluenose ruled throughout its illustrious career. All other 10-cent coins manufactured this year with the classic schooner reverse design are also being doubled-dated "1921-2021" in recognition of this milestone anniversary. These coins start circulating as of Friday (Oct. 22).
"When our circulation coins were re-designed in 1937 to celebrate Canada's favourite national symbols, Bluenose inspired the design of the 10-cent coin," said Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Today, we are thrilled to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bluenose with a new design that will circulate from coast to coast to coast as we reaffirm our pride in an enduring icon of Canadian know-how and innovation."
Soon after slipping into the waters of Lunenburg Harbour from the Smith and Rhuland Shipyard in March 1921, Bluenose captured the hearts and minds of Canadians as the sleekest and fastest fishing schooner the world had ever seen. In its first season, Bluenose both hauled in a record catch on the Grand Banks and brought the International Fishermen's Trophy back to Nova Scotia. In addition to proving itself an outstanding working vessel, Bluenose remained undefeated in this racing series and proudly defended the title "Queen of the North Atlantic Fishing Fleet" over nearly 20 years of racing. Bluenose also represented Canada on the international stage with memorable appearances at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933 at His Majesty King George V's Silver Jubilee in 1935.
"For 100 years, Bluenose has defined the spirit of Nova Scotia. The skill and teamwork of Nova Scotians made Bluenose a world champion, as well as one of the most famous ships in Canadian history," said the Honourable Hon. Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for the province of Nova Scotia. "This commemorative Bluenose coin will remind all Nova Scotians how our connection to the sea and our innovative spirit has created our determination to succeed."
On the reverse of the coin, Bérubé's tribute to Bluenose shows an angled view of the famous schooner, under full sail and heeled to port on the open sea. This dynamic portrayal of a ship that always left the competition in its wake can be found in both uncoloured and coloured versions, both of which are also double-dated "1921-2021." A ground-breaking first for a 10-cent circulation coin, the coloured version features contrasting blue paint highlighting the deep waters of the North Atlantic.
The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. In all, six million coloured versions and nine million uncoloured versions of the coin will begin circulating as of today.
