Richmond brothers win ‘toonie’ design contest for Canada’s 150th anniversary

Richmond brothers win ‘toonie’ design contest for Canada’s 150th anniversary

Dr. Timothy Hsia learned he was one of the winners of the Royal Canadian Mint’s 2017 circulation coin series design contest from a call at the end of a long work day.

“I thought it was a patient calling and, actually, it turned out to be the Mint,” said Hsia, 32, a family doctor from Richmond, B.C.

“I was so thrilled. (It) couldn’t have been a better way to end that work week.”

Hsia and his brother Stephen, 30, worked on the design together. The public chose the winners.

The Mint revealed the winners to the public on Wednesday. The brothers’ design, which depicts the northern lights, will adorn Canada’s two-dollar coins — the toonie — next spring to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Five other designs will adorn coin denominations — from nickels to toonies — during next year’s celebrations.

The unveiling ceremony was at Richmond City Hall where the brothers were awarded a $2,000 cheque, a trip to Ottawa for two in 2017 and the special edition set of coins. Read more