Last Updated on January 14, 2022 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins

A fractional coin set consists of coins that contain one ounce or less of a precious metal. In this case, the set contains coins ranging from a Canadian silver dollar, containing one-twentieth of an ounce of silver, up to a coin with a five-dollar face value. The Royal Canadian Mint produces a fractional proof coin set every year, each with its own theme. For 2022, the obverse features a previous effigy of Her Majesty wearing the magnificent Diamond Diadem, while the reverse features a maple leaf motif as a symbol of Canada.

What Is the Significance of the Diamond Diadem?

The Diamond Diadem was ordered from Rundells in 1820 for the coronation of George IV. The crown was completed in May 1820, and the coronation took place in June the following year, delayed by parliamentary proceedings involving Caroline of Brunswick, the king’s estranged wife. King George wore it during the walking procession to Westminster Abbey and at the ceremonies at Westminster Hall, paired with a “Spanish” hat made of velvet.

While it is unclear who exactly designed the crown, credit usually goes to the chief designer at Rundells, Philip Liebart. The design incorporates symbols of the three countries of the British Isles: A cross for England, a thistle for Scotland, and a shamrock for Ireland. The most notable jewel in the crown is a pale yellow brilliant in the centre of the front cross, weighing four carats. The crown contains 1,332 other diamonds, as well as pearls edging the band. Some of the diamonds were hire stones that should have been returned after the ceremony. The reason why they were not returned remains a mystery, as no record of King George purchasing the stones exists. He may have exchanged some old stones for the others in a discreet barter transaction.

Starting with Queen Adelaide, the consort of King George’s successor William IV, the crown was worn more often by queens. The regnant Queen Victoria had her portrait painted wearing the crown, and Queen Elizabeth II traditionally wears it on the occasion of the State Opening of Parliament when travelling to and fro.

What Is Significant About the Designs of the Coin?

The effigy of Her Majesty wearing the Diamond Diadem featured on Canadian circulation coins from 1990 to 2002. It was the first effigy to be designed by a Canadian artist, Dora de Pédery-Hunt. It has been revived to grace the obverse of each proof coin in this collectable fractional set. The reverse design also features an important Canadian symbol: the Acer saccharum, more commonly known as the sugar maple. The artist responsible for the reverse design is Nathalie Lagacé, and the design features two maple leaves in opposition to each other combined with three pairs of winged seeds, also known as samaras.

While all five coins in this set bear the same designs on the obverse and reverse, the Canadian silver dollar receives a little extra sparkle. Continuing the theme of the Diamond Diadem from the obverse, the $5 coin is further enhanced with fine diamond particles precisely applied using the glitter technology method, a technique familiar to collectors of the Glistening North coins released by the RCM in 2017. The reverse proof finish of the coins allows the engraved art of each to shine against the frosted background.

Find Canadian Silver Dollar Sets and Other Collectable Coins at Colonial Acres

A Canadian proof coin set’s value depends on many different factors. This set pays tribute to a concrete symbol of Queen Elizabeth’s long reign. At the same time, each design reflects a sense of Canadian pride in ways that are both obvious and subtle. By virtue of its composition, condition and history, each proof coin has worth beyond its face value, making coin sets excellent gifts for other people or additions to your own collection. This is the first complete set available from the Royal Canadian Mint for 2022, and you can look for it at Colonial Acres Coins.