Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:33 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
Whenever there is a national event or just a moment of particular Canadian pride, you are likely to hear the song ‘O Canada,’ the national anthem. This patriotic piece was officially adopted in 1980. So, in 2020, the Royal Canadian Mint released a special coin to commemorate the passage of the National Anthem Act. This beautiful coin could make an excellent addition to any collection.
‘O Canada’
The Canadian national anthem is a patriotic song intended to represent the spirit of the nation. Interestingly, despite 2020 being the 40th anniversary of the song’s official adoption, it is significantly older. In fact, the song was first written in 1880 but went through many different versions since that date.
It continued to be a popular patriotic song, especially in Quebec, for the next century. By the 1960s, the Canadian government was interested in adopting an official national anthem, separate from ‘God Save the Queen.’ Ultimately, a compromise was made that would make ‘O Canada’ the national anthem and ‘God Save the Queen’ the Royal Anthem of Canada.
In 1970, the rights for the song were officially purchased from Gordon V. Thompson Music. Then, in 1980, the National Anthem Act was passed, finally making it the official anthem of Canada.
‘O Canada’ has two official sets of lyrics, one in English and one in French, the nation’s two official languages. However, they are not direct translations of each other. Instead, they preserve the rhythm and spirit of the song with slightly different content.
A Coin To Mark the 40th Anniversary of the National Anthem Act
In 2020, to mark the 40th anniversary of the National Anthem Act, the Royal Canadian Mint released a fine silver coin in the Moments to Hold series. This is a beautiful design that is ideal for anyone who loves Canadian history, music or both.
The reverse of the coin features a design by Lisa Thomson Khan. It shows a maple branch with a stylized musical staff with the opening notes of ‘O Canada.’ This is set against a matte background with the words “Canada” and “5 Dollars 2020” surrounding the central design.
The coin is made from a quarter ounce of 99.99% pure silver. It has a modified specimen finish and a serrated edge. The total mintage was 100,000 coins. On the obverse is the familiar portrait of Queen Elizabeth II as designed by Susanna Blunt.
The Perfect Gift for Canada Day
This coin is a wonderful gift for yourself or anyone in your life and it would be an ideal gift to give to celebrate Canada Day. This July holiday celebrates the anniversary of the confederation of Canada. During Canada Day celebrations, you are almost guaranteed to hear numerous renditions of ‘O Canada.’
Until 1982, this holiday was called Dominion Day. However, following the Canada Act of 1982, which made Canada a fully independent country, it was renamed Canada Day. This holiday is a celebration of Canadian independence and national spirit. The singing of ‘O Canada’ is more than just playing the national anthem, it is sung to represent the values of the day.
Whether you have a numismatist in your life or just want to give a meaningful gift to a loved one, the 40th Anniversary of the National Anthem Act coin is a great option.
Find the Right Coin for You at Colonial Acres Coins
Whether you want a patriotic coin that represents Canada, another commemorative Royal Canadian Mint coin or something from another country, Colonial Acres Coins has the right collectibles for you. We have a large selection of currency, bullion, jewelry and other items. Check out our complete online catalogue today and find the perfect item for you.
