July 10, 2014 – From coast to coast, Canadians have long recounted ghost stories that both delight and frighten people of all ages. With its exciting new Haunted Canada series, the Royal Canadian Mint brings to life many of these tales, beginning with the legend of the Ghost Bride, who has made the Fairmont Banff Springs her eternal home since the 1930s when, upon stepping onto the staircase, she suddenly stumbled and tragically fell to her death.
Banff Spring Hotel. Photograph: Guenter Wieschendahl / Wikicommons.
Since then, some claim to have seen an apparition dancing in the hotel’s ballroom or walking down the staircase, as she did on that fateful day which brought a tragic end to her love story. The coin and stamp were unveiled today at the Fairmont Banff Springs.
“Canadians have long recounted ghost tales that delight and frighten people of all ages,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We’re proud to produce coins that not only highlight such fascinating Canadian stories but also create a lasting impression through design and the innovative use of technology.”
“Bringing intriguing Canadian tales out of the shadows is what stamps continue to do,” said Mike Shearon, General Manager, Plant Operations West, Canada Post. “We are pleased to join the Mint to highlight these stories and offer the perfect keepsake for those who revel in this particular type of folklore.”
Lenticular technology produces impressive effects on the coin’s reverse.
Thanks to the creative use of lenticular technology, a uniquely haunting effect is produced when the coin is tilted: the bride’s eyes suddenly spring open, while the candles that lined the staircase light up the once-black background. Below the Ghost Bride is the familiar image of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs. The stamp features the same ghostly image. To observe this effect, please have a look at the video.
“We have long been known to visitors from around the world for the tragic tale of the Ghost Bride,” said David Roberts, Regional Vice-President and General Manager of the Fairmont Banff Springs. “Her chilling resemblance has been expertly captured on this new coin and stamp which is a novel way for her spirit to live on beyond the walls of the hotel.”
For more information on the Royal Canadian Mint and its products go to the Mint’s website.
As for ghosts that are said to haunt banks we recommend to you the read of this article.
You can read more about the Fairmont Banff Springs and its ghosts here …
… and here.