Description
This quarter ounce $100 pure gold coin celebrates one of Canada’s greatest inventors - Alexander Graham Bell. While best known for his development of the first practical telephone, Bell was a prolific innovator and inventor including making substantial advancements in hydrofoils and aeronautics. Mintage is limited to 2,000 pieces. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The coin design features a depiction of an early telephone and its inventor, surrounded by laser-engraved illustrations that speak to Bell’s commitment to the advancement of science and technology. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and the denomination.
Alexander Graham Bell:
(March 3, 1847 – August 2, 1922) was a Scottish-born Canadian inventor, scientist, and engineer who is credited with inventing and patenting the first practical telephone. He also co-founded the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) in 1885.
Bell's father, grandfather, and brother had all been associated with work on elocution and speech and both his mother and wife were deaf; profoundly influencing Bell's life's work. His research on hearing and speech led him to experiment with hearing devices which eventually culminated in Bell being awarded the first U.S patent for the telephone, on March 7, 1876.
Many other inventions marked Bell's later life, including groundbreaking work in optical telecommunication, hydrofoils, and aeronautics. Although Bell was not one of the 33 founders of the National Geographic Society, he had a strong influence on the magazine while serving as the second president from January 7, 1898, until 1903.
Beyond his work in engineering, Bell had a deep interest in the emerging science of heredity.
