Regardless of how you feel about the institution of the monarchy, there’s something to be said about tradition and rituals. The St. Edward’s Crown is the coronation crown, brought out only to be worn at the monarch’s crowning moment. The original crown is said to have been used since the crowning of Edward I in 1272, but the current crown was made from remnants of the original crown, which was broken up by order of Parliament in 1649. The crown was remade for the crowning of Charles II in 1661. It’s a very special crown in British history. Take a…
Royal Canadian Mint
Colonial Acres: 2023 Gold And Silver Majestic Polar Bear And Cubs Coins
The 2023 Royal Canadian Mint polar bear coin has been released and appeals to investors and collectors alike. Though the largest carnivore to live primarily on land, polar bears are born small and helpless. Fortunately, polar bear females are excellent mothers, going to great lengths to protect their cubs and teach them the skills they need to survive. The Majestic Polar Bear coin depicts the special relationship between the mother polar bear and her cubs. Polar Bear Pregnancy Polar bears have an eight-month gestation period. During the first four months, the fertilized egg forms a blastocyst, a hollow ball of…
Why Is the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canada’s Most Celebrated Military Victory?
Royal Canadian Mint coin collecting is an excellent way to preserve tributes to Canadian history, and the Battle of Vimy Ridge $2, $3, $20 and $100 coins are no exception. Masterfully designed, these coins celebrate the 100th anniversary of an important event in Canada’s history: the three-day conflict that ended with a noteworthy Allied advancement. This battle became a turning point for the country — not only for the military achievement but for its effect on the Canadian national identity. What Is the Battle of Vimy Ridge? The Battle of Vimy Ridge occurred in Vimy, France, during the First World…
The Latest Coin in the Colourful Birds Series Shows off the Northern Cardinal
The third coin in the Colourful Birds series of commemorative coins from the Royal Canadian Mint depicts the Northern Cardinal. The cardinal is one of few bird species that are present in Canada all year round, bringing a dash of bright red to a season shrouded in white. The cardinal coin follows previous entries in the series depicting the Blue jay and the Cedar Waxwing. Where Are Cardinals Found in Canada? Cardinals are found primarily in Ontario and the southeastern regions of the country. However, in recent years, the cardinals’ range has expanded west as far as Manitoba and northeast…
The Crystal Eye of Nunavik Coin Depicts the Pingualuit Crater
In Nunavik, Quebec, far to the north on the Ungava Peninsula, lies a natural wonder that few people, even Canadians, have heard about: Pingualuit Crater Lake. The Royal Canadian Mint has released a $50 dollar silver coin that depicts the lake’s beauty and gives a visual idea of how it came to be. Not only is the reverse design in colour and richly detailed, but it also includes a secret embedded image that only reveals itself under black light, included with your purchase. History of the Pingualuit Crater Ungava Peninsula is a stark, moonlike landscape. It is dotted with glacial…
Meet the Curious Marten on the New $10 Gold Coin From the Royal Canadian Mint
Canada is home to many fascinating animal species. The Royal Canadian Mint offers opportunities to learn more about these creatures through commemorative coins. In 2023, it is releasing a gold coin featuring the marten, or pine marten, an adorable animal that has a significant role to play in its ecosystem and figures prominently in the economic history of Canada. These pure gold coins each weigh one-twentieth of an ounce, are 14 mm in diameter and have a face value of $10. An Introduction to the Marten The marten could be mistaken for a housecat as the two creatures are about…
April Showers Bring May Flowers! Crystal Raindrop Silver Coins to Collect
April showers bring May flowers. Nowhere in the world is that truer than in Canada. April is one of the wettest months, but the reward from all that springtime rain is an array of nature’s beauty in May. Whether you love bright red tulips, yellow daffodils or green maple leaves, spring is the renewal of life. Make these silver coins from the Royal Canadian Mint part of your coin collection to remember the breathtaking colours of the season. Crystal Raindrop Silver Coins From 2008 through 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint released an annual $20 silver coin that featured majestic maple…
Royal Canadian Mint’s Celebrating Black History Series: No. 2 Construction Battalion Coin
It was only through determination and perseverance that Canadian Black men were granted the opportunity to serve their country during the First World War. The No. 2 Construction Battalion was the largest Black battalion-sized unit in the history of the Canadian military. A new series of commemorative Canadian coins pays tribute to their contribution to the Allied victory in World War I and to Black Canadians’ proud tradition of military service. How Did the No. 2 Construction Battalion Come To Be? When war was declared in August 1914, thousands of men from across Canada attempted to enlist for military service,…
Royal Canadian Mint 2023 Heavenly Dragon Pure Gold Coin
In Chinese mythology, dragons are wise, powerful creatures. Unlike in Western mythology, they do not bear humans ill will and, in fact, try to help them. There are many different kinds of dragons in Chinese mythology, each with a specific role to fulfill. This year, a new commemorative series of Royal Canadian Mint coins honours Tianlong, the heavenly dragons, and offers a wish for good fortune and prosperity. Legends of Chinese Dragons Chinese dragons in Chinese mythology are powerful creatures. They are believed to control the weather, and farmers would appeal to them to send rain for their crops. Dragons…
A Sense of Duty, A Life of Service $20 Commemorative Coin
When Queen Elizabeth II died on Sept. 8, 2022, she had reigned for 70 years, the longest reign of any British monarch. At the age of 21, she pledged herself to a life of service to the people of the Commonwealth, a pledge that she renewed upon her coronation in 1953. She fulfilled that promise over the course of her many decades on the throne, and the Royal Canadian Mint honours her commitment with a new $20 commemorative silver coin called A Sense of Duty, a Life of Service. A Symbol of Unity Queen Elizabeth’s life of service began when…
