This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Forces’ 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, more commonly known as the Snowbirds. The Snowbirds have performed at over 2,500 airshows across North America, entertaining over 150 million spectators with the coordinated excellence they demonstrate by their aerial acrobatics. Based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the Snowbirds have represented each Canadian armed service and every province. Not only are the pilots themselves all volunteers, but so are all their support staff and technicians. The Snowbirds’ primary mission is to be ambassadors for the Canadian Armed Forces, and the affection with which they are regarded…
Archives for August 2021
Interested in Astronomy? This 2021 5oz Solar System Silver Coin Is A Must Have!
Coins can be a lot more than just currency. Throughout history, they have been used to celebrate important events, people and culture. In 2021, the Royal Canadian Mint released a $50 coin to showcase one of its biggest subjects yet: our solar system. This coin is a must-have item for any astronomy lover. It is also a great example of the beautiful artwork that is made possible by modern minting methods. 5 Things To Know About Our Solar System For much of human history, we considered the Earth to be the center of everything. However, as astronomy and space travel…
Jewellery Styles From The 50s
Estate jewellery collectors have branched out from Victorian and Art Deco pieces to items from more recent decades. 1950s jewellery is getting some serious attention from auction houses and discerning buyers. While the 50s saw a rise in costume jewellery thanks to brands like Coro and Trifari, fine jewellery also took off in popularity. How do you know the estate jewellery you find is the real deal from the 1950s? These features can point you in the right direction for classic examples and help you decide if your discovery would make an excellent addition to your collection. The Fashion Influence…
Royal Canadian Mint Releases The 2021 Black & Gold Wolf Silver Coin
Canada is home to a number of remarkable creatures. One of these is the grey wolf, the largest member of the canine family in the world and the forebears of all domesticated dogs. The grey wolf is an apex predator with an important ecological role to play. Unfortunately, its unearned reputation as a vicious killer prone to attack humans has decreased its numbers to dangerous levels. Once ranging over most of North America, the grey wolf’s habitat is largely limited to Canada and a few areas of the United States, particularly Alaska. Because of its dwindling numbers, the grey wolf…
Sudbury Is Home To The Worlds Largest Nickel
Every coin tells a story and part of the fun of collecting coins is learning about the history of each and the significant landmarks associated with them. While the five-cent piece is the smallest denomination of Canada decimal coins currently in circulation, the largest coin in the world is a Canadian nickel, currently on display at the Dynamic Earth Science Museum in Sudbury, Ontario. This numismatic curiosity is commonly referred to as the “Big Nickel” and is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Canada. How Big Is the Big Nickel? The Big Nickel is approximately 64 million times larger…
The History Of The Two Dollar Canadian Bill
Last updated on August 18th, 2021 at 01:33 pmLast Updated on August 18, 2021 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins Canada discontinued its two-dollar bill 25 years ago and replaced it with the toonie coin. The government then pulled tender status from this and several other banknotes in 2021. Now, this piece of Canadian paper money can be worth up to tens of thousands of dollars for a rare and perfect note. Two-Dollar Creation The two-dollar bill came into circulation in the 1800s, before the Confederation of Canada. In 1886, the Province of Canada began printing its own Canadian paper money,…
Collecting and Understanding Canadian Coin Rolls
Last Updated on August 10, 2021 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins Coin collecting has many benefits. Some coins are collected simply for investment purposes. Historic coins can become worth a lot of money over time. Many coin collectors hunt for the thrill of it. It can be fun to look through pockets of change to find the coins from your birth year or another commemorative era. No matter why you collect coins, it’s always interesting to learn more about the monetary system. Canadian coin rolls are more about the hunt for coins than investing, but you may find that rare…
What is Cameo Jewellery?
A cameo is a piece of jewellery featuring a gemstone or seashell with an image carved into it. Valued for their exquisite details and high-level workmanship, cameos have been popular for hundreds of years. The height of cameo popularity occurred during the Victorian Era, which lasted from 1837 until 1901. This is why you are most likely to see cameos in movies or television shows set in this period and amongst estate jewellery collections. Where Did Cameos Originate? Prehistoric people carved images into rocks called petroglyphs. These images feature iconography with symbolic and religious significance. Cameo jewellery originated in ancient…
New Book Featuring the 2020 Released Canadian Coins
Every year, the Royal Canadian Mint releases various coins. These include the year’s latest currency for circulation as well as a variety of special coins for collection and commemoration. Whether 2020 was an important year for you or you just love collecting coins, the Mint’s new book may be right for you. It is a great way to celebrate all the coins of 2020. The Book The Annual Collection book is a great way to see all the different coins that were released in 2020 and learn more about the significance behind each design. Most designs are intended only for…