Banting not ‘cancelled’ by Mint
I am writing to address the confusion stemming from inaccurate reporting on the Mint’s approach to designing a circulation coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.
Let me start by saying that we did not cancel Frederick Banting. No one was “removed” from the coin design.
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The Mint regularly consults external stakeholders to design coins that best tell the story of a given theme. We worked very closely with Banting House National Historic Site and Diabetes Canada on this coin and it was agreed, from the beginning, that the design should focus on the science behind the Canadian discovery of insulin, instead of the personalities of the four scientists who made it possible.
Your readers can rest assured that the marketing campaign behind this coin will bring out the full story of Frederick Banting, Charles Best, John Macleod and James Collip, as the key individuals who brought insulin to the world. Extensive storytelling content, also developed in collaboration with Banting House and Diabetes Canada, will appear on www.mint.ca and our social media platforms, as well as in the packaging of related collector products.
We look forward to celebrating the story of an incredible made-in-Canada scientific breakthrough, and the people behind it, when this coin launches next month.
Alex Reeves
Senior manager, public affairs
Royal Canadian Mint