Description
This 2019 fine silver $20 coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1919 Calgary rodeo which served to salute returning soldiers and celebrate victory in Europe. From August 25 to 30, 1919, more than 57,000 people attended the Victory Stampede held at Calgary’s Exhibition Grounds. Those in attendance witnessed thrills and spills as hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls competed in events like bronc riding, fancy roping, trick riding, relay races and more.
The Design:
The design by Michelle Grant captures the excitement of the roping competition at the 1919 Victory Stampede. In the background, spectators fill the original grandstand at Exhibition Grounds in Calgary. In the foreground, a gold-plated cowboy holds the reins tightly with one hand while twirling the lariat overhead, as the horse races towards the target. Fittingly, the gold-plated rim is a four-strand rawhide lariat that was commonly used for roping livestock in that time period.
Despite being a one-off event, the “Great Victory Entertainment” planted the seeds for the 1923 western showcase that kicked off an annual tradition in “Stampede City.” Mintage is limited to 6,500.
The reverse includes the word “CANADA”, the year “2019” and the face value, “20 DOLLARS”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
