Bullion
Blog
Masters Club
War of 1812 Hero Tecumseh Commemorated on Royal Canadian Mint 25-Cent Circulation Coin
Back to Listing
Amherstburg, Ontario, November 16, 2012 - The bravery of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812 made him one of the war’s most well-known heroes and his likeness is now featured on a new 25-cent circulation coin which was unveiled today at the Barracks at Fort Malden National Historic site. This is the second of four circulation coins which commemorate key historical figures who influenced the fight for Canada from 1812 to 1814.
“Canada could not have been defended without the dedication of all the forces united against American invasion and our Government is pleased to commemorate Tecumseh, whose legendary role in the War of 1812 is a testament to the bravery and the loyalty of all First Nations and Métis people involved in that historic conflict,” said Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex.
The War of 1812 paved the way for Confederation. It was the fight for Canada and a defining moment in our country’s history that saw British regular forces, English and French-speaking militia, First Nations and Métis1 allies join together to defend our borders2. Without their courage and sacrifice, Canada as we know it would not exist.
“The Royal Canadian Mint is committed to preserving memories of the people, places and events which tell the story of the Canadian experience and the remembrance of the heroes of the War of 1812, including Tecumseh, is a unique way to celebrate our proud values,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
Over the course of the War of 1812, Tecumseh led over 2,000 warriors and fought at the sieges of Fort Meigs and Fort Stephenson. Tecumseh’s support for Major-General Sir Isaac Brock at the capture of Detroit was decisive3 though he ultimately fell at the Battle of the Thames at Chatham, Ontario in 1813. Please see attached backgrounder for further information.
Limited to a mintage of 12.5 million coins, the Tecumseh 25-cent commemorative circulation coin begins circulating on November 19, 2012. The public is encouraged to look for it in their change or obtain it at face value on line at www.mint.ca/1812.
The Mint has also released a number of exquisite precious metal collector coins to add to the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. On November 5, 2012, the Mint issued a $4 face value 99.99% pure silver coin featuring a portrait of Tecumseh, set against an intricately engraved background consisting of the bilingual text “The War of 1812/La guerre de 1812.” This coin is also emblazoned by the engraved and painted Government of Canada War of 1812 logo. Limited to a mintage of only 10,000 examples world-wide, this coin retails for $49.95 CDN.
This product, and others, can be purchased from www.mint.ca; the Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver; and through our network of distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets. These products can also be ordered by directly contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the US.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, 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
Images of the Mint’s newest War of 1812 commemorative circulation coin are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.
1 http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2012/01/index-eng.asp
2 http://www.1812.gc.ca/eng/1305658803194/1317921921396
3 http://warof1812.gc.ca/eng/1317828221939/1317828660198
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Alex Reeves
Senior Manager, Communications
Royal Canadian Mint
Telephone: (613) 949-5777
reeves@mint.ca
2012 25-Cent Circulation Coin: 200th Anniversary of The War Of 1812 “Tecumseh”
As Canadians mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, this historical turning point is a reminder of the heroic figures whose brave acts assured the defense of a future Canada. One of the most renowned was Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a fearless warrior and an inspiring leader.
Tecumseh was born near Springfield, Ohio in 1768. Throughout the 1790s, Tecumseh was deeply involved in war against American forces seeking to conquer First Nations land.
The outbreak of the War of 1812 drove Tecumseh to collaborate with the British to resist the American invasion of British North America. He was an important ally and co-leader with Upper Canadian military commander Major-General Sir Isaac Brock in the Battle of Detroit, where Brock’s troops were joined by 800 First Nations warriors.
The American surrender was partly due to Brock and Tecumseh’s skillful use of the warriors’ fearsome reputation to intimidate the Americans. In the spring of 1813, Tecumseh went on to lead more than 1,200 warriors alongside 900 British soldiers under Major-General Henry Procter in taking Fort Meigs near Perrysburg, Ohio.
Ongoing fighting, however, eroded the resolve of British troops and many First Nations allies. In this weakened state, the allies met the Americans at what would be Tecumseh’s final battle at Moraviantown (also known as the Battle of the Thames) on October 5, 1813. When the British troops retreated in the face of more than 3,000 American soldiers, only 500 warriors were left to fight. Tecumseh was one of many who fell that day.
The reverse image of this new 25-cent circulation coin features a profile portrait of Tecumseh, designed by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie Ross, against an intricately engraved background comprised of the words “The War of 1812” in both English and French. Featured in the design is the stylized maple leaf from the Government of Canada War of 1812 logo, on which “1812” appears in antique script.
In all, 12.5 million of these commemorative circulation coins have been produced in two distinct finishes: half of them feature a coloured maple leaf from the War of 1812 logo, while the remaining coins have a frosted portrait of Tecumseh while the maple leaf remains unpainted.
The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Canadians can find this new coin in general circulation as of November 19, 2012, or obtain limited quantities through an online coin exchange at www.mint.ca/1812.
