Exploring Canadian Silver Coins- A Comprehensive Guide to Precious Metal Currency
Which Canadian Coins Are Made of Silver?
Canada has a rich history of coinage, with many of its coins featuring beautiful designs and precious metals. Among these, there are several Canadian coins that are made of silver. These coins not only serve as legal tender but also as valuable collectibles for numismatists around the world. Let’s explore some of the most notable Canadian silver coins.
One of the most famous Canadian silver coins is the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. First introduced in 1988, this coin is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint and is widely recognized for its purity and beauty. The Silver Maple Leaf contains one troy ounce of 99.99% pure silver and has a face value of $5 CAD. The coin features a stylized maple leaf design on the obverse, while the reverse showcases the profile of Canada’s Queen Elizabeth II.
Another iconic Canadian silver coin is the Canadian Silver Dollar, also known as the “Wildlife Series.” This series was introduced in 1988 and features various Canadian wildlife on the reverse. Each coin contains one troy ounce of 99.99% pure silver and has a face value of $1 CAD. The coins in this series include the Beaver, the Caribou, the Moose, the Lynx, and the Cougar.
The Canadian Silver Dollar was first introduced in 1858 and was one of the first silver coins to be minted in Canada. Over the years, the coin has undergone several design changes, with the most recent series being the “Vignette Series,” which was introduced in 2013. This series features a unique design that changes every year, with the 2013 coin featuring the reverse design of the original 1858 silver dollar.
The Canadian Silver Dollar is also part of the “Reverse Proof” series, which was introduced in 2017. These coins have a mirror-like finish on the reverse, contrasting with the frosted appearance of the obverse. This series includes the “Reverse Proof” version of the 2017 Silver Dollar, which features the “Wildlife Series” design.
In addition to the Silver Maple Leaf and the Silver Dollar, the Royal Canadian Mint has also produced other silver coins that are highly sought after by collectors. These include the Canadian Silverloon, which was minted in 1982 and contains one troy ounce of 99.99% pure silver, and the Canadian Silver Loonie, which was introduced in 1988 and features the same reverse design as the Silver Dollar.
In conclusion, Canada has a variety of silver coins that are both beautiful and valuable. From the iconic Silver Maple Leaf to the classic Silver Dollar, these coins are a testament to the country’s rich numismatic heritage. Whether you are a collector or simply appreciate the artistry of these coins, there is no denying the allure of Canadian silver coins.
