Most Canadians know the story of the ‘lucky loonie’ buried at centre ice during the gold medal games for Canada’s hockey teams at the 2002 winter games. Both men’s and women’s teams won gold. Now a man from Moonstone has designed a special coin for our athletes at the Rio games.
The 2016 lucky loonie for the Olympics was unveiled last month. It features a loon taking off, with a maple leaf behind it.
The designer, Derek Wicks from Moonstone, says the Royal Canadian Mint had him redraw the coin ten times before settling on a final version.
“A few more revisions, and more revisions, and did I mention a few more revisions?” he laughs.
Wicks says the final design includes a swirl that represents a draped flag, like Olympians would wear on the podium.
Five million of the lucky loonies will be released to the general public, but Canadian Olympic athletes competing in Rio were the first to receive it. Canadian athletes and lucky loonies have a golden history in the Olympics.
“I understand this time they’ve buried one on the golf course too, so hopefully that brings us gold dividends again,” says Wick.
The Moonstone artist says he’s humbled to design yet another commemorative coin. He has designed ten others, but says this Olympic one is extra special.
“It’s a huge honour. I grew up in the children’s aid system. So really, my country fed me, clothed me, educated me. Now I get to be part of a design that’s on its money. It’s huge!”
For those who’d like their own lucky loonie, they will be distributed by the banks and commemorative additions are also available online through the Royal Canadian Mint.
