The Royal Canadian Mint has issued a new silver coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Victory Stampede of 1919, which celebrated the first Calgary Stampede after the end of the First World War.
“The Calgary Stampede is an unforgettable celebration of Alberta’s pioneering spirit and thriving western culture,” said Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, in a news release.
“As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Victory Stampede, this coin is also a great way to remember the soldiers who defended our freedoms and values in the First World War.”
Calgary artist Michelle Grant’s design on the reverse of this 99.99 per cent pure silver coin captures the excitement of the roping competition, which was one of many rodeo events on the Victory Stampede program, said officials.
“The 57,000 spectators in attendance on the last week of August 1919, were regaled by cowboys and cowgirls showing off their skills in bronco riding, fancy roping, trick riding, relay races and more. Building on the success of that historic event, the Calgary Stampede became an annual tradition,” noted the press release.
“In the foreground of this classic Stampede scene, a selectively gold-plated cowboy riding atop his galloping steed tightly holds the reins in one hand while the other twirls a stranded rawhide lariat traditionally used for roping livestock. The rim of the coin itself emulates the stranded pattern of the lariat. The background is filled with spectators admiring the show from the original grandstands.”
The 2019 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Victory Stampede has a limited mintage of 6,500 and retails for $119.95. From July 5 to 7, the Royal Canadian Mint is retailing this coin, along with many other collectibles, at BMO Marketplace in the heart of Stampede Park.
“The 1919 Victory Stampede offered a place for everyone to come together and celebrate following the Great War. One hundred years later and we continue to be a gathering place for our community,” said Dana Peers, president and chairman of the board of the Calgary Stampede. “We are very proud of our history and to have it recognized with a commemorative coin is very special.”
“The Canadian Army is once again truly honoured by its partnerships with the Calgary Stampede and the Royal Canadian Mint,” said Brig. Gen, Stephen Lacroix, commander of the 3rd Canadian Division/Joint Task Force West and Honorary Stampede Parade Marshal. “We are humbled by the support of Canadians coast to coast to coast, and are looking forward to commemorating this 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede in true Albertan fashion as the Army of the West.”
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