Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:33 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
Bluenose was a celebrated Canadian ship that served a dual purpose as both a fishing boat and a racing ship. By achieving success in both realms, Bluenose became a symbol of Nova Scotia and Canada in general. It was launched in March 1921 and brought into service the next month. To help celebrate the 100th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint has launched a proof silver dollar and a gold $100 coin.
Bluenose – The “Queen of the Atlantic”
Canadian coins throughout history have celebrated some of the most noteworthy icons of Canada. Bluenose is truly deserving of this distinction. The gaff rig schooner is a proud symbol of Canada and its rich maritime history.
Design and Construction
The designs for Bluenose were drafted by William James Roué in 1920. The purpose was to compete for speed with the famously well-designed American schooners. From the start, the vessel was intended for both racing and fishing. However, Roué’s original design was too long for competition. He updated it and made some improvements that would ensure maximum speed.
The schooner was constructed by Smith and Rhuland in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. It was made with Nova Scotian pine, spruce, birch and oak, along with Oregon pine for the masts. The Nova Scotian construction helped to reinforce its symbol status as it achieved fame.
Success and Fame
Between 1921 and 1946, Bluenose won numerous races. In particular, a series of competitions with the American Gertrude L. Thebaud proved to be some of the most noteworthy. The American ship was designed specifically to beat Bluenose (itself designed to beat American vessels). Although both ships won races against the other, Bluenose ultimately prevailed. It won the final race of the series, seizing the trophy. This also happened to be the final fishing schooner race in the North Atlantic.
The RCM Celebrates Bluenose
Bluenose’s success in racing helped to cement it as a sign of Nova Scotian and Canadian nautical prowess. It was built in Canada, designed by a Canadian and operated out of Canada. The Royal Canadian Mint began using Bluenose on the dime in 1937. In 2021, the Royal Canadian Mint is releasing two new coins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bluenose.
2021 Canada 100th Anniversary of Bluenose Proof Silver Dollar
This proof-quality silver dollar features a reverse image showing William James Roué’s outstretched hands designing Bluenose. Behind his designs is the ship itself, complete in the water. The image is such that it appears that Roué is sketching the ship into reality.
Interestingly, the obverse of this coin shows King George V rather than Queen Elizabeth II. This was chosen because Bluenose was launched during George V’s reign.
The coin is 99.99% pure silver with a weight of 23.17 grams. The mintage numbers 30,000. The reverse image was designed by Yves Berube and the obverse by Sir E.B. MacKennal.
2021 Canada $100 100th Anniversary of the Bluenose: The Launch
Alternatively, you may be interested in the $100 gold coin released for the same celebration. It features a reverse design with the newly launched Bluenose hull (without masts). Behind the hull is a design drawing as made by William James Roué. This imagery pays tribute to the ingenious design that gave the schooner its racing abilities. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Susanna Blunt. The coin is 99.99% pure gold weighing 7.8 grams; only 2,000 will be minted.
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