Mint backs down

Local recording artist Dave Gunning’s 10th album will be called No More Pennies, in part a tribute to the passing of yet another Canadian icon as the 21st century gathers steam. Alas, the CD’s artwork, created by graphic artist Michael Wrycraft, inadvertently tripped over the Royal Canadian Mint’s regulations relating to the visual representation of coins.
With the artwork printed and the record about to be distributed, the Mint agreed to forego its demand for royalty payments for the first 2,000 records sold, but insisted it would charge a $1,200.00 fee for every 2,000 CDs produced after the initial run.
However, in a statement released this morning, following a barrage of stories in newspapers, radio, television and across the Internet, a spokesperson said: “The Mint will allow Mr. Gunning to use the image of the penny on subsequent reprints of his CD’s artwork at no cost,” adding: “We wish him the very best in his career.”
The Mint also said it would “assess its current intellectual property policy to determine if changes need to be made to ensure that it is being applied fairly on a case-by-case basis.”
Gunning said that he was grateful that the Mint had decided not to charge a royalty. “They were just trying to do their jobs and my case was an odd one that fell between the cracks. They reacted very quickly and I’m very thankful for that as well. I’m impressed that such a large organization was able to change its policy so quickly and, furthermore, consider reviewing their rules.”
Regarding the penny drive Gunning said, “Earlier I had said that I would accept pennies from my fans to help pay for these royalties — and many folks have been calling me to say they have pennies for me, and I know that when I start my tour people are going to bring me their one cent coins.
“I’m going to accept them — and forward them to support the Izaak Walton Killam Hospital for Children in Halifax.”
No More Pennies will be released September 18.