In 1998 the Royal Canadian Mint refinery first put its hallmark on gold of the highest recognized level of purity, known as "5 nines," or 99999 fine, on a numismatic coin.
Together, the facilities at our Ottawa headquarters and our Winnipeg manufacturing plant form one of the world's most sophisticated minting operations, equipped with the most advanced coin-production technologies.
We're proud of our patents and of the industry "firsts" developed by our engineers: - A patented, cost-saving plated-coin technology - A patented locking mechanism for high-security bi-metallic coinage - Patents pending for coloured coin technology, for hologram technology, and for silver and gold refining processes - The Royal Canadian Mint produced the first 9999 fine gold bullion coin - As well as the largest 99999 fine gold coinage.
In-house research and development We lead the global minting industry in blank burnishing and blank polishing, two advanced technologies that were perfected here, by our in-house research and development team.
Our engineers also innovate by identifying new, previously unsuspected uses for applications, procedures - even machines
Multi-ply plated steel: for a more secure, less costly coinage
Volatile base metal prices and rising production costs have created global demand for an alternative to the conventional coin. The revolutionary Multi-Ply Plated Steel Technology developed and patented by the Royal Canadian Mint answers that need.
This unique plating process offers significant advantages:
- Substantial savings in time and materials: multi-ply plating uses less nickel, copper or bronze than usual methods. And it's dramatically faster than single-ply.
- Superior performance: nickel plate resists tarnishing better than cupronickel and ferritic stainless steel.
- Heightened security: multi-ply technology gives coins ideal electromagnetic readability, to ensure security and prevent vending machine fraud.
Since 2000, the Canadian government has saved millions of dollars thanks to multi-ply plated steel. Our customers throughout the world also benefit from the Mint's advanced technology.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING