Buying, trading or collecting Canadian silver coins is an addicting hobby, but can also be a significant addition to your investment strategy. Historically, Canada has generated some of the most beautiful silver coins in the world. The Canadian mint continues to be dedicated today to the production of marvelous silver coins that are brilliant and a pleasure to own and behold.
The collector can seek Canadian silver coins of historic character, or buy the most recent issues. First let’s take a look at some of the most prized collectibles from the past.
The first mass circulation silver dollar produced by the Royal Canadian mint was the Voyageur Dollar stamped in 1935. It depicts Great Britain’s King George V and the reverse depicts a voyageur and a Canadian aboriginal paddling a historic voyageur birch canoe. It was struck from 1935 through 1966, in circulation until 1986. it is now is among the most valued of Canadian collectibles. Please note that commemorative additions of this coin continue to be issued, but these are not legal tender.
In 1947 the mint issued 10 new voyageur silver dollar coins, and these were of three categories: The Point Seven, the Blunt Seven and the Maple Leaf Silver coin. Of the three, the Maple Leaf is the most valued.
The years 1950 to 1952 are also important for the Canadian silver coin enthusiast. In those years the Arnprior coins were minted and released. They are called Arnprior because they were produced by a firm located in Arnprior, Ontario. Behind these silver dollar coins is a fascinating background story, which actually involves from a technical problem at the mint. Because of regular polishing and cleaning of the dies in which these coins were produced, four water waves depicted beside the voyageur canoe began to fade. In short, those coins with faded water lines began to be considered a separate classification from those with well-defined water lines. It’s part of Canadian silver coin lore, and something the collector should be aware of.
So those three sets of years are important to understand when you are collecting Canadian silver coins. But the Canadian Royal Mint continues to issue exciting new silver coins today. For example, just released is the 2012 Silver Maple Leaf which carries a $5 face value, and has 1 ounce of .999 pure silver. This beautiful coin is called a “Gem Brilliant Uncirculated Coin.” Uncirculated means it is being minted primarily for collectors, and not daily use on the streets.
Another exquisite modern issue is the Canadian One Ounce Silver Cougar, the third in a series of six coins depicting native Canadian wildlife. It is also a Gem Brilliant Uncirculated.
The mint also recently produced a stunning coin – the Reverse Proof Silver Eagle, which is billed as a “2011 25th Anniversary Set.” Only 100,000 of these were produced, making them a significant value for collectors and investors.
We’ve only touched on some of the highlights of Canadian silver coins here, and those interested in exploring more about the many facets, issues and qualities of silver coins produced in Canada will find an absorbing hobby. Learning all there is to know about this line of coin collecting can take some time, but if you love beautiful coins, you’ll enjoy every minute.
