This 2014 25 cent coin presents a dynamic stylized pastiche of soccer images. Dominating the image is a soccer player, right leg at the ready to kick. Mintage for this coin is 20,000.
The Design:
The player’s target is a large soccer ball upon which a map of Canada replaces one of the dark patches. Three young children play soccer in a field of grass with all the young players are dressed in the sport’s recognizable uniform of long shorts, jersey, tall socks, and soccer cleats. In the upper right corner of the image, is a yellow sunburst, a large stylized image of a Canadian crowd, flanked by swirling maple leaves. The background is dominated by the green of the soccer pitch. Behind the ball are complex line patterns recalling soccer nets.
Although the nominal face value is 25 cents, this is very different from a circulation issue coin. This collector issue features a large 35 mm diameter, and is struck and coloured using advanced striking and coin painting processes.
FIFA World Cup:
In 2014, the FIFA World Cup is being hosted in Brazil. Considered the world’s most popular sport, soccer has also taken hold of Canadians young and old. The 1980s, saw soccer become the Canadian sport with the highest number of registered players, surpassing even hockey. Soccer remains both the top participatory sport and fastest-growing sport in Canada.
Canada’s international status in soccer has seen an upsurge over the last two decades. The Canadian men’s national soccer team participated in both the 1986 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2001. The Canadian women’s national soccer team has played at 5 FIFA Women’s World Cups. Canada will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015.
