Mintage: 10,000 coins.

50 years of Souvenirs

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. RedFisher of the Montreal Gazette, who has covered the NHL for more than50 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, shapeand 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 SilverGoalie 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.

GOALIE MASKS - CANUCKS DE VANCOUVER GOALIE MASK - 2009 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 16- SPORTS and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.