Coins and Canada - 2 dollars 2008 - Quebec City

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2 dollars 2008 - Quebec City

By thecanadiannumismatist | Tuesday, 6 August 2024

On May 7, 2008, the Royal Canadian Mint celebrated the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City by issuing a commemorative 2 dollars coin.

This coin was officially unveiled to the public at the IIHF World Hockey Championship's "Fanfest", before the start of the game headlining France and Belarus. Notably present at its unveiling were Mint spokesperson Véronique Cloutier, Marguerite Nadeau, Royal Canadian Mint Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary, Jean Leclerc, Chairman of the Quebec 400th Anniversary Corporation, as well as other public figures.

There are few North American cities that can celebrate a past such as that of Québec City. It is from the year 1608 that we truly started to become what we are today. Because the founding of Québec City also marks the founding of Canada.

- Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages

The coin, designed by emerging jeweller and Quebec City native Geneviève Bertrand, depicts the founding of the city. It features a fleur-de-lis, a ship, and lines representing the waters of the St. Lawrence River. This design was engraved on a two-dollar coin by Mint Engraver William Woodruff of Ottawa. Geneviève Bertrand was a finalist in several major Quebec jewellery design competitions before submitting the design chosen for the circulation coin honouring the 400th anniversary of Quebec City.

The Quebec 400th Anniversary Corporation congratulates Geneviève Bertrand for her excellent achievement. Her talent promotes the 2008 celebrations, as well as the skilful work of all Quebec artists.

- Jean Leclerc, Chairman of the Quebec 400th Anniversary Corporation

This coin commemorating the 400th anniversary of Quebec City was available at Desjardins caisses throughout Quebec and Ontario, as well as at Caisses populaires acadiennes in New Brunswick.

A collector card containing the two-dollar commemorative coin and a unique medallion bearing Quebec City's coat of arms was also available from Desjardins Group branches, the Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, as well as online. This card also contained inserts into which Canada's 2008 circulation coins can be added.

I invite all Canadians to look for this commemorative coin in their change. Six million of these coins will be put into circulation to be exchanged daily not only by Quebecers, but by Canadians throughout the country. This coin is a striking way to pay tribute to Quebec City's heritage, and to its significance in Canadian history. The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to join Quebec City's citizens and admirers in celebrating the 400th anniversary of this famous city.

- Ian E. Bennett, the Mint's President and CEO

In addition to this collector product, the Royal Canadian Mint paid tribute to the history of Quebec City by issuing a selection of sterling silver coins featuring the image of Samuel de Champlain earlier that year.

On July 3, 1608, Samuel de Champlain went up the St. Lawrence River with 26 hired hands—lumberjacks, carpenters, and laborers. Commissioned by Pierre Dugua de Mons, who held a monopoly on the fur trade, Champlain came to establish a trading post. When he arrived, there was no trace of Stadacona. Its Iroquoian population had deserted the St. Lawrence Valley for reasons that are still unknown. Only nomadic Algonquian peoples frequented the area to fish for eels and barter.

Champlain settled on the Pointe de Québec, now Place Royale, a natural harbor. The site was ideal. From the top of Cap aux Diamants, it is easy to observe the comings and goings on the St. Lawrence River.

Champlain quickly had his wooden Abitation built on the site of the current Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. The building served as a residence, fort and store. It also quickly became a meeting place where various indigenous nations came to exchange furs for European products.