Discovery is the theme of a new series of commemorative coins now available from the Royal Canadian Mint. Gold and silver coins depicting the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition debuted on January 8, 2013.
Strikes of the series include a proof $100 gold coin, a proof silver dollar, a brilliant silver dollar and a proof silver dollar with selective gold plating in the Mint’s 2103 Silver Proof Set.
All pay tribute to the Canadian Arctic Expedition which began in 1913 with an international crew of scientists, sailors, guides and support people to complete expeditions into the Arctic Circle in the search of new lands and resources.
"The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to issue a great variety of collector coins which bring events of our past back to life and spark interest in learning more about Canada’s fascinating history," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
The expedition divided into two parties. A Northern Party explored for new lands. A Southern Party documented the geography, people, wildlife, trade routes and resources. Both met with hardships owing to the natural forces of the Arctic. Several expedition members lost their lives but the discoveries revealed invaluable information about the region.
2013 Proof Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins
Offered by the Royal Canadian Mint as the flagship of the Mint’s collector coin program for 2013 is the 2013 Canadian Arctic Expedition Proof Silver Dollar. The strike is the 54th issue of proof fine silver dollar coins from the Mint.
Shown on the reverse is a design emblematic of the Canadian Arctic Expedition as completed by artist Bonnie Ross. The design depicts a group of three men aboard a dogsled. The skyline and horizon behind the men is a stylized image of a compass.
Each coin is to proof quality from 99.99% pure silver. The commemorative coins come encapsulated within a maroon flock-lined clamshell case. Mintage of the release is 40,000 coins with each including a serialized certificate of authenticity. Pricing of the coin is CAD $59.95.
Visit Mint information page for details.
2013 Brilliant Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins
The 2013 Canadian Arctic Expedition Brilliant Silver Dollar has the same basic designs as the associated proof coin. This includes the reverse image of a dogsled team and three men waiting to explore the Arctic Circle as designed by Bonnie Ross.
Mintage of the brilliant silver coin is 20,000. Like the proof coin, each comes with a display case and a serialized certificate of authenticity. The Royal Canadian Mint has the coin at CAD $54.95.
Visit Mint information page for details.
2013 Silver Proof Set
The 2013 Canadian Arctic Expedition Silver Proof Set has seven different coins, each struck from 99.99% pure silver. At the heart of the set is a proof quality Arctic Expedition Silver Dollar with selective gold plating to enhance the design.
The $1 and $2 coins are gold-plated with the rest of the strikes entirely composed of silver. Mintage of the set is 25,000 with a reminder from the Royal Canadian Mint that last year’s Silver Proof Set sold out. Pricing for the 2013 Silver Proof Set is CAD $229.95.
Visit Mint information page for details.
$100 Gold Commemorative Coins
Offered to a limited mintage of 2,500, the Canadian Arctic Expedition $100 Gold Coin features a different image than the associated commemorative coins in silver. The design is still the work of Bonnie Ross but it depicts several key elements of the expedition including a survey team and the preferred method of transportation, a dog sled.
Each 14k gold coin comes in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell case. Last year’s Cariboo Gold Rush 14k Gold Coin sold out. Its price is CAD $599.95.
Visit Mint information page for details.
Each of the above 2013 commemorative coins and set is available online through the above links or at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the United States.
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 one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale.
First year the coin set has no penny. It really is gone.
The selective gold plating really brings out the image in the silver dollar. I know the US Mint will never approach the technical abilities of the Canadian Mint but I wonder how great the proof silver American eagle would look with similar selective gold plating…
Well, it would look like a knock-off of the Canada coin…
LOL
There was a 2000 issue by a private mint with the eagle gilded. It looks like every other gilded coin. It included a maple leaf and libertad.
The Canadians are asking 229.00 for two ounces of silver. Is there any shame whatsoever?
Collectors need to start eschewing these overpriced money grabs and reward the minting of good value. For example, the silver proof America the Beautiful quarters- one ounce of silver for 41.95.