2009 Canada $20 Sterling Silver Coloured - Montreal Canadiens Goalie Mask

At approximately 7:10 p.m. on Nov. 1, 1959, 'just another game' turned into one of the landmark moments in NHL® history. All-Star Jacques Plante, in goal for the Montreal Canadiens, was struck in the face with a shot by Rangers forward Andy Bathgate at 3:06 of the first period.

After a 21-minute delay, Plante returned to the Canadiens' bench. Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette, who has covered the NHL® for more than 50 years, described the scene after Plante was struck. “When he came out with the mask, you could feel and hear the buzz of the crowd,” Fisher recalled. The Canadiens went on to win, 3-1.

The NHL® goalie mask soon became part of the goaltender's equipment despite initial resistance from some team's management. The style, shape and materials used have evolved over the years from the Plante's first model to the present day cage style masks which you see depicted on the coin.

Beautifully engraved and painted, these Silver Goalie Mask Coins from the Royal Canadian Mint are another Mint first. Each team's goalie mask is painted with the team's logo and colours. Players often change for each team from year to year, but these stunning coins will remain relevant year after year.

NHL is a registered trademark and the NHL Shield, the Vintage Hockey word mark and logo and the Stanley Cup word mark and logo are the trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. NHL 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Specifications

• Mintage 10000
• Composition 92.5% silver
• Finish proof
• Weight (g) 27.78
• Diameter (mm) 40
• Edge serrated
• Certificate serialized
• Face value 20 dollars
• Artist Marcos Hallam (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)