Canadians observe Remembrance Day every year on November 11th, the anniversary of the end of World War I. The observance is intended to honour all veterans who fought for Canada, sacrificing for the sake of others. The Royal Canadian Mint recognizes the importance of Remembrance Day by issuing special Canadian coins every year. This year, it has also included a Remembrance Day coin set in its Moments To Hold series. The Importance of Remembrance Day Nov. 11, 1919, was the first anniversary of the end of World War I. On that date, Canadians observed Armistice Day, referring to the agreement…
Royal Canadian Mint
The Significance of the Bouquet Sous Design Tokens
Lower Canada tokens were used as currency for a relatively short time, less than 10 years altogether. Nevertheless, they had a significant role to play in Canadian history. The Bouquet Sou was a denomination of tokens that was worth approximately a half-cent. Its design went through several alterations in response to changes in politics and society. Bouquet Sous are readily available today, yet can be worth a lot more than they were in the 1830s when they were in circulation. History of the Bouquet Sou Commerce in 19th-century Lower Canada was difficult to carry out because of a lack of…
Get Into the Halloween Spirit With These Coins to Collect
Vincent Price once said, “it’s as much fun to scare as to be scared.” Almost everyone loves October. The weather is pleasant, not too hot nor too cold. Pumpkin spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, linger in the air. Football season keeps us busy. And the end of the month culminates in a huge celebration with lots of candy and costumes. Halloween has to be one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Combine your love of Halloween and coins with these collector’s items from the Royal Canadian Mint and Monarch Precious Metals. 2019 Beaver Bullion Jack O’ Lantern This…
Coin Collecting: Resources that Aid in Numismatic Research
Coin Collecting: Resources that Aid in Numismatic Research Coin collecting often starts out informally. Maybe you get a set of coins for your 10th birthday, which leads you to collect coins from each year afterward. You inherit a collection from grandpa and suddenly get interested in understanding the history of the coins. A good coin collection includes other resources that provide contextual information for the coins. Scott Douglas is a prime example of a collector who didn’t stop with coins. He started collecting coins as a young person. Today, his library related to coins is almost unparalleled – three home…
Canadian Coins Featuring the Iconic Oscar Peterson
Canadian Coins Featuring the Iconic Oscar Peterson Duke Ellington called him the “Maharaja of the Keyboard.” He won seven Grammys and a lifetime achievement award from the organization. It would take another page or two to list his other awards, which include a UNESCO Music Prize, honorary degrees from more than 10 universities and multiple awards for pianist of the year, and others. Who is this paragon of the piano? It’s Oscar Peterson, noted jazz pianist and composer. Louis Armstrong called Peterson “the man with four hands,” for his style, speed and dexterity when playing piano. Peterson is considered a…
2023 $15 Lunar Year of the Rabbit Fine Silver Coin
The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year astrological cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. The Royal Canadian Mint started a series of commemorative coins celebrating the Chinese Zodiac starting in 2022, the Year of the Tiger. The series continues with a 2023 coin for the Year of the Rabbit. What Is the Significance of the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac? According to the story, the Jade Emperor invited the animals to his palace for a party. He told them that the order in which they arrived would determine their position in the Chinese Zodiac. The Rabbit knew that…
Is the 1856 Nova Scotia Mayflower Token the Most Beautiful Design Ever Created?
1856 isn’t necessarily a notable year. In March, the British Empire’s Crimean War ended and the Treaty of Paris was signed. Dallas, Texas was incorporated as a city. The Second Opium War began in China. And in a little territory on the Atlantic coast of what would become Canada, a small token, or coin, was minted with the blessing of the British government. The 1856 Nova Scotia Mayflower Token is often considered one of the most beautiful coins ever designed. Here’s some history about this Canadian half penny. A Brief History of Currency in Nova Scotia The modern economy runs…
Coins that Share the Amazing Colours of Autumn in Canada
If you’re weary of the summer heat, keep in mind that autumn is right around the corner. In just a few weeks, you’ll be enjoying the cooler weather and changing leaves of fall. It’s the perfect time to go hiking and canoeing in the Canadian wilderness. Make plans now to enjoy the great outdoors when the temperatures are pleasant. Find some beautiful Canadian coins for sale that reflect the beauty of autumn to remind you of those memories you make. 2013 Canada $20 Autumn Bliss Fine Silver Coin This $20 coin features the stunning colours of fall set against a…
Canadian Proof Set Featuring Alexander Graham Bell
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…
Canadian Coins Featuring Underwater Life in Canada
Canada is home to more lakes and ponds than any other country in the world. Water borders many of Canada’s provinces, from rivers and streams to lakes and oceans. Water is important to our economy. Canadians canoe and fish when the weather permits. Ice skating and hockey are popular winter sports around water. The love of water is ingrained into our very nature. Here are six sets of coins from the Royal Canadian Mint that highlight water creatures. Celebrating Underwater Life in Canada From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and all the two million lakes in between, there…
