Available from the Royal Canadian Mint are two coins emblematic of one of the most important battles fought during the War of 1812. The Battle of Queenston Heights 1-Kilo Gold Coin and the Battle of Queenston Heights 1-Kilo Silver Coin both contain a reverse design showcasing a depiction of David Kelly’s renowned 1896 painting, Battle of Queenston Heights.
Both strikes are available for ordering directly from the Royal Canadian Mint. The gold coin contains 1,000 grams of 99.99% pure gold with the silver coin containing the same weight in 99.99% pure silver.
The War of 1812 is thought of as a fundamental turning point in the history of Canada. Generally considered a conflict between forces of the British Empire and the United States of America, the war had a positive effect on the inhabitants of what would become present-day Canada as they rallied together to fight against American invasions.
A classic and perhaps even iconic example of the rally for the common-good of those in the British Empire is the Battle of Queenston Heights. It occurred on October 13, 1812 as the first major engagement of the war.
American forces sought to obtain a stronghold on the Canadian side of the Niagara River but were repelled by a coalition of British forces, Canadian militia and people of the indigenous Mohawk tribe. The cooperation during the battle of the English-speaking, French-Speaking and Aboriginal communities (among others) of the region would serve as a unifying force for the rest of the war and help lead to the confederation of Canada year’s later.
David Kelly painted a scene from the engagement in 1896 known as the Battle of Queenston Heights. Today, it is perhaps one of the best known portrayals of the War of 1812. It depicts Major General Isaac Brock dying in the foreground as his soldiers attempt to remove him to safety. Other British troops, Canadian militia, and First Nations warriors are shown in the background of the battle scene engaging with American forces.
It is this same image which is portrayed on the reverse of the gold and silver coins released by the Royal Canadian Mint. Obverses of the coins depict Susanna Blunt’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Battle of Queenston Heights 1-Kilo Gold Coin Specifications
Struck with a maximum mintage of just 20, the Battle of Queenston Heights 1-Kilo Gold Coin is composed of 1,000 grams of .9999 fine gold. The coin features a diameter of 101.6 mm and is struck to proof quality.
Each gold coin has a legal tender face value of $2,500. The Royal Canadian Mint places the coin in its own maroon display case for shipment and also includes a serialized certificate.
Current pricing is listed at CAD $69,000.00.
Battle of Queenston Heights 1-Kilo Silver Coin Specifications
The Battle of Queenston Heights 1-Kilo Silver Coin contains one kilo of .9999 fine silver. In proof quality, it has a legal tender face value of $250 and a diameter of 102.1mm.
Maximum mintage of this release is listed at just 700. Like the associated gold coin, each comes encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case along with a serialized certificate.
Pricing on the silver coin is shown as CAD $2,249.95.
Both the gold and silver Battle of Queenston Heights coins may be ordered directly from the Royal Canadian Mint.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.
What American would buy a coin depicting Canadian/British killing American soldiers?
I totally agree Sam. I am really curious why the Canadians are now so big on the War of 1812. I think the coins are in very poor taste.
Is it any difference with a USA mint coin about the American Revolution? Would a north or south state resident be upset about it depicting American’s killing fellow Americans? It is a historical event that happened. Canadian’s were killed during the war. It was 200 years ago I don’t think we have to be so politically correct.
That particular battle scene was a victory for the American side, and their biggest achievement was the death of Brock at the hands of an American sniper. Although the Americans lost on the second day of fighting, this particular scene was a positive for their side. By the way, the older officer holding up General Brock is Major Christian Barnes of the York Volunteers militia (my 3X great grandfather).
1) The American’s lost The Battle of Queenston Heights..they were pushed back to the U.S. after invading Canada..infact many drowned trying to retreat and many naver even crossed the Niagara River during the initial attack for fear of being killed by the Indians.
2) Brock is a Canadian Hero not an American so WHO cares if an American wants one
3) Why are American so so big on the American Revolution?
Typical comments by people who know nothing outside of their borders.
Major Christian Barnes was also my Great Great Grandfather and I have always heard the story the same. I for one am grateful for this post. I may have found a new relative because of it.