Own the entire collection of the series Powered Flight in Canada: The First 50 Years with this $20 sterling silver 10-coin set. The reverse of each coin features one of Canada's historic planes along with a 24-karat gold plated cameo portrait of one of the nation's aviation heroes. 

1. 1990 Avro Anson and the North American Harvard
2. 1990 Avro Lancaster
3. 1991 A.E.A. Silver Dart
4. 1991 de Havilland Beaver
5. 1992 Curtiss JN-4 (Canuck)
6. 1992 de Havilland Gipsy Moth
7. 1993 Fairchild 71c
8. 1993 Lockheed 14 Super Electra
9. 1994 Curtiss HS-2L
10. 1994 Canadian Vickers Vedette

Canadian Aviation: The First 50 Years

The first half-century of powered flight in Canada is a testament to human courage, resilience, and good fortune. In its infancy, aviation was the playground of daring adventurers; air shows and competitions drew massive crowds eager to witness these novel flying machines buzz early city skylines. Though these inexperienced aviators knew little of aerodynamic science, resulting in frequent accidents, fatalities were remarkably rare.

This pioneering era thrived on more than just pilots. Across the country, an array of inventors, engineers, and hobbyists labored in barns and garages for a chance to touch the sky. While many advanced the evolution of flight, most found their only reward in the pure satisfaction of the attempt. Eventually, commercial passenger service transformed the vast nation, shrinking week-long journeys into a matter of hours. While the railway physically connected Canada from coast to coast, it was the airplane that truly brought Canadians together.