• Country:Canada
• Collection:BaseMetal Commemorative 25cents
• Metal:Base Metal
• Year:2012
• Denomination:25 Cents
• Finish:Complete
• Mintage:11950
• Product type:Coin

Service, Safety, Sovereignty: The Canadian Coast Guard Celebrates 50 Years
The year 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard. This important Canadian marine service was created in 1962 to support mariners in Canadian waters, conduct search and rescue services, maintain Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic and in coastal waters, respond to technical advances in its domain, and address issues associated with growing vessel traffic.

This cupronickel coin features Three Degrees Creative Group Inc.'s striking stylized image of vessels from the Canadian Coast Guard's fleet hard at work in and above Canadian waters. In rich blue and white, roiling waters from the Arctic to the oceans, rivers, and other waterways of Canada span the coin's central field. Across the sky at the top of the image, a search-and-rescue helicopter flies toward the coin's right side. Below it, an icebreaker cuts toward the left-hand side of the coin through a frozen field of ice as the white ridges of a far north landscape rise behind it. A buoy floats placidly below the icebreaker, while another ship, moving at full speed tears rightward, approached by an inflated rescue boat bearing three red-jacketed rescue workers. Each vessel bears the red and white colouring of the Canadian Coast Guard. The image's silver frame is designed to give the impression of looking through a circular life-preserver and bears the embossed words "CANADA," CCG-GCC 1962-2012," the year "2012," and the face value of "25 CENTS." The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Service, Safety, Sovereignty: The Canadian Coast Guard Celebrates 50 Years
The year 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard. This important Canadian marine service was created in 1962 to support mariners in Canadian waters, conduct search and rescue services, maintain Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic and in coastal waters, respond to technical advances in its domain, and address issues associated with growing vessel traffic.
Coastal Monitoring During the Age of Sail
Beginning in the 18th century, the first lifeboat and light stations were built on Canada's east coast. During the century that followed, formal safety practices began to emerge and the first patrol vessels appeared off Canada's eastern shores and in the Great Lakes. The driving force behind these patrolling practices was the need to protect and regulate fishing and shipping.
A New Country Gains Control of Its Marine Infrastructure
With Confederation in 1867, Canadian marine infrastructure came under the control of the federal government. To manage this new responsibility, the government established the Department of Marine and Fisheries in 1868. In the 1930s, the two areas of responsibility-marine and fisheries-were separated, with marine coming under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.
Rising Demand for a Dedicated Coast Guard Service
By the middle of the 20th century, the Canadian government-through the Department of Transportation-had a fleet of 241 vessels. During and after the Second World War, demand for a dedicated national coast guard grew. This demand was met with the establishment of the Canadian Coast Guard on January 26, 1962.
A Vital Force in Maritime Safety
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in marine navigation, communications and traffic; performs icebreaking services; offers crucial search and rescue support and service; ensures the cleanup of spills and pollution from ships; manages Canadian waterways; and assists in Canadian security and sovereignty across one of the world's largest networks of maritime highways. Its services are supported and complemented by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer organization of 4,300 people and 1,200 vessels.

Face Value:25 cents
Mintage:Produced to demand
Composition:Cupronickel
Diameter (mm):35
Edge:Plain
Finish:Specimen
Artist:Three Degrees Creative Group Inc.