Taking advantage of a unique printing technology, lenticular printing, the Royal Canadian Mint is hoping to give coin collectors something to scream about. The mint has created a new coin featuring the so called Ghost Bride of Alberta. The Ghost Bride is said to have been a woman in the 1930s that tripped on the train of her own wedding dress, falling down the stairs and breaking her neck at the Banff Springs Hotel. According to legend, the Ghost Bride now roams the halls of the hotel, scaring staff and guests alike. Various reports have stated that staff heard noises from the bridal suite on days when there were no guests there and some guests have reported seeing the bride’s spirit roaming the halls.
Now, the Royal Canadian Mint has created a new lenticular printed coin to commemorate the legend of the Ghost Bride. The new coin features a picture of a bride, whose eyes change depending on the angle one holds the coin at. In one position, the coin features the bride with her eyes closed while in the other direction, her eyes suddenly pop open.
The new coin has an official denomination of 25 cents. Below the Bride is a picture of the Fairmont Banf Springs in Alberta. A stamp has been issued by the Mint as well, which also features the same haunting image.
The new coin is being issued in a very limited run with just 15,000 of them being created. The coins have a retail price of CA$29.95 and are already on sale from the Royal Canadian Mint’s website. The coin was also made available as of Friday, June 13, 2014 via Canada Post in a combination coin and stamp set. Those visiting one of the Mint’s stores will find the coin for sale as well. According to the website, 99% of the stock of the new coin has already been sold.
The Royal Canadian Mint is the only organization officially authorized to mint currency for Canada. This is not the first time they have offered such unique coins either. Some other special coins currently on offer include the caterpillar design in full color and specially minted $100 and $50 coins made in .999 fine silver. All three are also limited editions available directly from the Mint.