Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmIn 1845, Englishman Sir John Franklin and his crew set off on their fourth expedition to the Arctic in search of the Northwest Passage. Little did they know it would be their last. Their two ships, the H.M.S. Terror and H.M.S. Erebus were lost and never found by the more than 90 subsequent rescue expeditions. The ultimate fate of the expedition remained a mystery until 2014 when the Erebus was finally located by a technologically equipped Canadian mission. In honour of the expedition and in celebration of the discovery, a limited set…
Coin Collecting During COVID-19
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmThe COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have affected almost every aspect of daily life. The coin collecting world has been impacted just like other industries. However, these impacts have brought on some new character to numismatist communities in Canada. The disruption of normal operations could offer collectors a chance to get more out of their passion. Events Cancelled Several major events were cancelled as a result of the epidemic and public health concerns. Perhaps the most notable was the Edmonton Coin Show and Sale that was scheduled for March. The announcement was…
Check out the 2020 Black Footed Ferret 6 Coin Specimen Set
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmEvery year, the Royal Canadian Mint releases a six-piece Specimen Set of Canadian coins. The 2020 Specimen Set is groundbreaking in several different ways. Since 2004, the dollar coin in each set has featured the image of a different bird. In 2020, the specimen coin features a mammal for the first time. The RCM is taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the endangered black-footed ferret. What Is a Black-Footed Ferret? A ferret is a member of the mustelid family, which also includes badgers, minks, and otters. In some superficial ways, the…
Ontarios White Trillium Floral Emblems of Canada Coin Set
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmNearly every year, the Royal Canadian Mint releases some special, commemorative coins that reflect something unique and significant about Canada. Some of these have marked major anniversaries, and others have celebrated the culture. In 2020, one of these coins features the white trillium, a symbol of Ontario. The White Trillium of Ontario The white trillium is the official flower of Ontario and was adopted in 1937. Its blossom has three large, white petals with golden-yellow stamen in the center. The flower famously blossoms early, heralding the arrival of spring. Additionally, the sun-loving…
Toronto Raptors 25th Season Coin is a Great Gift for Sports Fans
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pm2020 marked 25 years (and seasons) since the Toronto Raptors became a professional basketball team. To help celebrate this occasion, the Royal Canadian Mint produced two coins featuring Raptor-inspired designs. Sports play an important role in Canada’s culture, and a team reaching its 25th anniversary is a major accomplishment worth celebrating. The Toronto Raptors The Toronto Raptors were founded in 1995 and play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. Since the 2001-2002 season, they have been the only international team in the league. So, the 25th season is something for every Canadian…
Stunning Royal Canadian Mint Diamond-on-Diamond Shaped Coin
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmEvery year, the Royal Canadian Mint releases new runs of coins. Most of these are intended for practical use as currency, but some are aimed primarily at collectors. Occasionally, the mint releases a truly unique coin that has value well beyond its face denomination. In March 2020, that happened with a limited-run diamond-on-diamond coin. The Coin The diamond-shaped coin looks nothing like a traditional coin. It is a three-dimensional diamond shape similar to a square-cut stone. Made from three ounces of 99.99% pure silver, this coin would be highly desirable even with…
2020 Chinese Lunar Coins Pure Silver Birthstone Set
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmMultiple cultures, both Eastern and Western, hold traditions that certain stones bestow luck or other benefits on people born during a certain period. In addition to the ongoing series of Chinese zodiac coins, in 2020, the Royal Canadian Mint is releasing a 12-coin set of pure silver coins, one for every month of the year, featuring a Swarovski crystal representing that month’s birthstone. Understanding what birthstones mean in different cultures may give the set even greater significance. Birthstones in the Eastern Tradition Chinese philosophy holds that natural elements, such as minerals, trees,…
Quebec Blue Flag Iris Is First Coin in the Floral Emblems of Canada Set
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmThe Royal Canadian Mint has released the first coin in the new Floral Emblems of Canada set. This 13-coin series will present the floral emblem of each of Canada’s provinces and territories. The first coin to be released in this handsome collection is the blue flag iris for Quebec. Coin Features The Quebec floral emblem coin has Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side and a colored image of the iconic blue flag iris on the reverse. Set in a pure silver coin with a proof finish, the iris is…
Largest Liberation of the Netherlands Commemorative Coin Released
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmIn celebration of Victory in Europe Day, a stunning pure silver, gold-plated coin has been released to commemorate the liberation of the Netherlands and Operation Manna. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Royal Canadian Air Force and those who supported them, Operation Manna saved countless lives and knit Canada and Holland together in unity during the close of World War II. This tribute also brings to mind all of the Canadian men and women who responded to the call to serve and sacrifice for the good of the world. What better…
A Closer Look at the 100th Anniversary of WWI Silver Dollar Proof Set
Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:34 pmAs part of the Empire, Canada stood “shoulder to shoulder with Britain,” in the words of Prime Minister Robert Borden, by entering the conflict that came to be known as World War I in 1914. Four years later, at the end of the war, Canada emerged with newfound national identity. With its separate signature on the document that brought a formal end to the war, the Treaty of Versailles, Canada gained recognition as an independent country. Canada’s efforts in advancing the Allied cause, on both the battlefield and the homefront, were instrumental…
