The artistic traditions of the Indigenous people of Canada have not only shaped their heritages but enriched the lives of everyone in the country. Bill Reid was a Canadian artist who bridged cultures by reintroducing Haida art to the world in a classical form. His sculptures, including monumental totem poles, are now recognized around the world. Known as Iljuwas to the Haida nation, Reid died in 1998 at the age of 78. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth this year, the Royal Canadian Mint is releasing new $2 circulation coins featuring one of his most famous designs. Biography…
Royal Canadian Mint
Coin Gift Sets: 2020 Is a Year We Will Never Forget
In January, as we rang in the new year, no one could have anticipated the crazy ups and downs of 2020. From the Australian fires to the pandemic and all the swings in between, 2020 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year. If you’re looking for a gift to lift the spirits by commemorating a special event, a coin set from the Royal Canadian Mint can be just the thing. 2020 Baby 6-Coin Gift Card Set Getting a baby a long-lasting gift celebrates the birth in a memorable way. Our 6-coin gift card set includes uncirculated Canadian coins, including…
Things to Consider When Buying Gold Coins as an Investment
With so much uncertainty in the world today, you may be looking to diversify your investment portfolio by buying gold coins. There are many reasons why gold makes an attractive investment. It is tangible, portable, easy to sell, and holds timeless value. Of course, you could purchase gold in many forms, including bars or ingots. Nevertheless, when you buy gold coins, you can take advantage of some important benefits. Gold coins are easier to store because they take up relatively little space compared to other forms of bullion. With their attractive designs and finishes, gold coins also offer aesthetic value….
5 Easy Steps To Becoming a Coin Collector
If you’re looking for a unique, fun and simple hobby that could also help your investment portfolio, coin collecting may be just the thing. Collecting coins is a great way to learn more about different aspects of history and culture. This hobby also makes people feel like treasure hunters as they search for the most valuable and rarest coins. Here are the five steps we at Colonial Acres Coins recommend you take if you want to get started on collecting coins. 1. Learn the Terms Before going out and purchasing any coins, you should first learn the basics of coin…
Silver Coin Shares the Mystery Behind Franklin’s Lost Arctic Expedition
In 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 of silver commemorative coins has been released by…
Ontarios White Trillium Floral Emblems of Canada Coin Set
Nearly 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 flowers point toward the sun throughout the day…
Toronto Raptors 25th Season Coin is a Great Gift for Sports Fans
2020 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 to celebrate. Furthermore, this anniversary comes on the…
Stunning Royal Canadian Mint Diamond-on-Diamond Shaped Coin
Every 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 only the metal portion. However, it also has…
2020 Chinese Lunar Coins Pure Silver Birthstone Set
Multiple 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, and flowers, offer people good luck based on…
Quebec Blue Flag Iris Is First Coin in the Floral Emblems of Canada Set
The 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 so majestic and colorful that it sets this…