Description
The 1949 Newfoundland commemorative dollar is widely considered to be one of Canada’s most beautiful commemorative pieces. This brilliant uncirculated, fine silver piedfort piece is a 70th anniversary tribute to a work of art, which was created by one of the most illustrious figures in the history of the Royal Canadian Mint: Thomas Shingles, Master Engraver (1943-1965).
Except for the updated date “2019”, the reverse is a reproduction of Thomas Shingles’ original design for a commemorative silver dollar issued in 1949, to mark Newfoundland’s entry into Canadian Confederation (March 31, 1949). It features a detailed rendering of the Matthew, the ship historians believe John Cabot was sailing when he reached the coast of Newfoundland in 1497. The image of the three-masted whip under full sail was originally based on a model and taken from a photograph provided by Ernest Maunder of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Beneath the water lies the Latin inscription “FLOREAT TERRA NOVA” (“May the New Found Land Flourish”). The obverse features the effigy of King George VI by T. H. Paget.
Except for the updated date “2019”, the reverse is a reproduction of Thomas Shingles’ original design for a commemorative silver dollar issued in 1949, to mark Newfoundland’s entry into Canadian Confederation (March 31, 1949). It features a detailed rendering of the Matthew, the ship historians believe John Cabot was sailing when he reached the coast of Newfoundland in 1497. The image of the three-masted whip under full sail was originally based on a model and taken from a photograph provided by Ernest Maunder of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Beneath the water lies the Latin inscription “FLOREAT TERRA NOVA” (“May the New Found Land Flourish”). The obverse features the effigy of King George VI by T. H. Paget.