Alexander Graham Bell truly transformed communication and the audio capabilities we still use today. His invention of the telephone and refining of the phonograph paved the way for millions of people to speak and hear each other across time and space.
He also made future inventions possible, such as the radio, earphones, and record players. The circumstances of his early life were unique, spurring him on toward the person he eventually became. The Royal Canadian Mint has chosen to honour him with a special edition proof set to celebrate 175 years since his birth.
Bell’s Birth and Early Life
Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in March 1847. His mother was almost completely deaf, and his father was a teacher for the deaf. This inspired Alexander to teach others and invent technologies that would help those in need.
At age fifteen, he dropped out of school, having grown dissatisfied with the compulsory curriculum. Even so, he was able to pass the test to enter University College London. His family eventually moved to Canada and settled in Brantford, Ontario.
How He Became Who He Was
Alex did not stay with the family, however. In 1871 he moved to America to teach at the Boston School for Deaf Mutes. While teaching, he also pursued his love of inventions, attempting to improve upon the telegraph by transmitting multiple sound messages across a single telegraph wire.
An investor named Gardiner Hubbard funded Bell’s efforts to transmit the human voice across a wire. After securing the patent in 1876, later that year Bell successfully transmitted a long-distance phone call from Brantford to Paris, Ontario.
Special Canadian Coins To Celebrate 175 years
The 2022 Canada Alexander Graham Bell features Bell’s portrait in profile as he speaks into the transmitting end of his most famous invention. A calligraphic script of Bell’s signature appears along the outer edge of the coin. The Proof Dollar is made of 99.99% silver. To make the 175th-anniversary extra special, the Royal Canadian Mint has created a Special Edition Silver Dollar Proof Set complete with book-style packaging and a removable lens to impress your friends and family.
2022 Coin Designs
2022 has been a banner year. In addition to the Alexander Graham Bell collection, the Mint has also produced several other special coins, including the Visions of Canada Fine Silver Coin, Canadian Ghost Ship Fine Silver Coin, and the Peace Dollar Ultra High Relief Fine Silver Coin.
$30 Visions of Canada
Intricately detailed with mountains, waterfalls, prairies, and evergreen trees, this coin highlights the natural diversity that makes Canada so appealing. A Canada jay (Whisky Jack) soars elegantly through the landscape. The obverse features the likeness of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
$50 Canadian Ghost Ship
The famous “fire ship” apparition from Chaleur Bay is emblazoned on this colourful specimen. The engraving is stunning under any light but viewed under a black light, the ghost ship appears in the distance, haunting the fishermen on the shore. Artist Neil Hamelin used Colour Reveal technology to create the iconic illusion, perfect for a friend or relative who loves a good ghost story.
$1 Peace Dollar
One ounce of fine silver, struck in ultra-high relief with pulsating patchwork patterns behind olive branches of peace, makes this coin a breathtaking work of art. Lady Peace watches over the world and spurs us on toward ending conflict.
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