Last updated on June 25th, 2020 at 04:18 pm
Last Updated on June 25, 2020 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
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 heels of the 2018-2019 season in which the Raptors won the NBA finals, which included their first Eastern Conference win. Again, an exciting moment for Canadian sports fans.
Interestingly, despite the fact that the Raptors are the only Canadian team in the NBA, the first-ever league game was played in Toronto in 1921. Furthermore, the sport itself was invented by James Naismith, a Canadian, in 1891.
Celebrating Canadian Sports With Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint regularly releases coins to celebrate different aspects of Canada’s history, culture and nature. Celebrating important moments in the country’s sports history has produced some beautiful and sought-after coins. For example, there have been several commemorating the Miracle on Ice.
These coins always make great gifts for sports fans. Part of the fun of coin collecting is finding items that have personal meaning to you. For many people, remembering important moments and achievements in Canadian sports is a great reason to collect.
The Royal Canadian Mint’s Toronto Raptors 25th Season Coins
As mentioned, the RCM has released two coins to mark this momentous anniversary for the Raptors and Canadian basketball. Both coins are available in limited quantities and come with special packaging. These characteristics make them even better gifts for fans than just the coins alone.
25-Dollar Coin
The 25-dollar Toronto Raptors 25th Season coin is a 99.99% pure silver coin weighing 31.39 grams. The reverse design is red, purple, black and silver and depicts the classic Raptors logo as it appeared during the first season. Additionally, the reverse features a textured design like a basketball.
In the package, there is an NBA authenticity hologram, an item used to mark official merchandise. With one ounce of silver and only 8,500 minted for the entire world, this coin is sure to be a hit with collectors. Like other Royal Canadian Mint coins, this coin’s obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. This is a beautiful coin that will fit into anyone’s sports- or Canada-themed collection.
25-Cent Coin
The lower-denomination coin will be minted in a larger quantity but is still an excellent way to mark this major achievement for the Raptors. It is a nickel-plated steel coin with a matte proof finish. On the reverse, the design is the team’s current logo surrounded by the team name. It is 12.61 grams and 35 millimetres in diameter. Like the 25-dollar coin, this 25-cent coin comes with a hologram indicating its authenticity. Additionally, it has the familiar portrait of the queen on the obverse.
This is a great choice for a more affordable addition to your collection. It is also a beautiful design that helps to commemorate this important event.
Grow Your Coin Collection
Explore all of Colonial Acres Coins’ selection of Royal Canadian Mint coins. We have something for every collection. Whether you are buying the first coin for a beginner or the latest addition, the two 25th season coins are excellent choices. They could be much-loved gifts for sports fans across the nation. Check them out today.