Description
The classic of all Royal Canadian Mint collector coins is the annual series of silver dollars which has marked important events in Canadian history in each year since 1971. The 2022 proof silver dollar marks the 175th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Graham Bell, one of Canada’s greatest inventors. While best known for his development of the first practical telephone, Bell’s many inventions and varied pursuits made him an extraordinary contributor to our modern world. Many of Bell’s contributions, along with key words from his life story, are listed in the word-art portrait featured on this coin, which harnesses the power of language to present a broader picture of this great inventor. Mintage is limited to 50,000 coins. HST/GST exempt.
Silver Dollar Design:
The coin design features a depiction of an early telephone and its inventor together with Bell’s name inscribed in an artistic text. While the portrait at first appears simply to have deep texture and relief, the design is in fact comprised of many words highlighting his life and accomplishments.
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 telecommunications, 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.
