Description
This beautiful 2017 fine silver proof cased dollar coin marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation and is one of the most significant commemoratives since commemorative dollars first appeared in 1935. The design features a powerful personification of Canada—of its history, its people and its spirit. It is a visual embodiment of a nation celebrating its 150-year journey, while looking ahead to the future.
The coin contains about three quarters of an ounce of pure silver, has a diameter of 36.07 mm, and has a limited mintage of 30,000. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Rebecca Yanovskaya is both classic and at the same time modern. Centering on an allegorical personification of Canada, the elements represent our story as a nation including historic, geographic, social and political aspects. In the foreground, Canada rises up strong, majestic and bold; she bears a youthful appearance, given Canada’s status as a relatively young nation. Canada is the picture of grace and a vision of strength in her protective armour; and yet she carries no weapon—a symbolic representation of our efforts to bring peace throughout the world. Facing out as though looking to the future, Canada’s gaze is calm and steady while her arms are open wide, ready to embrace what challenges and triumphs lie ahead. In one hand is a symbolic representation of the British North America Act, which represents the birth of the Dominion of Canada 150 years ago; in the other hand is a single feather that pays tribute to those who helped forge our nation’s path: the First Nations peoples and the Fathers of Confederation. A fur cape is a further reminder of First Nations traditions, as well as the importance of the fur trade in Canada’s early history.
Thirteen rays of light—one for each province and territory—shine down upon Canada, while the waves at her feet represent the oceans that surround us. The Canadian banners link air, land and sea while in the background, Mount Logan (Canada’s tallest peak) represents the diversity of the land, and alludes to the ability of Canadians to “rise” to the challenges of the past, present and future.
The front is engraved in a banner with the word “CANADA” and “Dollar,” and the date “1867-2017”.
