Royal Canadian Mint numismatic coins (1900–1999)


One of the most profitable aspects of the Royal Canadian Mint is its numismatic product line. The first numismatic coin from the RCM was arguably the 1935 dollar commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V. Though intended for circulation, it was the first Canadian coin commemorating an event. The decision to issue this coin was made in October 1934 by Prime Minister R. B. Bennett. There were economic and patriotic motivations for the release of a silver dollar, including a hope to boost the silver mining industry. In future years, the silver dollar would have a more emotional meaning for many Canadians because it was also the first coin to have the Voyageur motif on its reverse.

Birth of luxury coins

Expansion in the numismatic line was a key element of the 1990s. The first significant sign was the creation of the two-hundred dollar gold coin. Starting in 1990, this coin was sold for a higher price than its face value. The first coin commemorated the Silver Jubilee of Canada's flag and sold for $395.00. The superstar of this collection would be the Canadian Native Cultures and Traditions coins. These coins were minted from 1997 to 2000. The Haida coin has been an award-winning coin for the RCM, taking the Best Coin Award at the 1997 Singapore International Coin Show.
The advent of the two-hundred dollar gold series was quickly joined by a platinum series. These high-quality collector coins solidified the RCM's entry into the luxury coin market. A four-coin set with face values of $30, $75, $150, and $300 respectively were complemented by the high-quality artwork that adorned these luxury items. Notable artists such as Robert Bateman and Glen Loates contributed to these collections with polar bear and bird designs. The issue price for these collections was around $1,990 and the casing was a walnut or burgundy case with a black suede four-hole insert and a certificate of authenticity.

Numismatic fifty-cent collections

Canadian Sports series

YearCoin no. 1Coin no. 2Coin no. 3Coin no. 4ArtistFinishIssue price Total mintage
1998First Amateur Figure Skating Championships 1888First Cdn Ski Running and Jump Championships 1898First Overseas Cdn Soccer Tour of 1888Gilles Villeneuve, Grand Prix of Canada Victory, 1978Friedrich G. PeterProof$59.9556,428
1999First Cdn Open Golf Championship, 1904First International Yacht Race, US vs. Canada, 1874First Grey Cup, 1904Invention of Basketball by James Naismith, 1891Donald H. CurleyProof$59.9552,115

Source:

Commemorative Silver Dollar series

1981–1999

1981 was the first year that the RCM issued two different qualities of silver dollars. One version was the Proof, which composed of a frosted relief against a parallel lined background. The second version was the Brilliant Uncirculated. The finish is classified as a brilliant relief on a brilliant background.
YearThemeArtistMintage Issue Price Mintage Issue price
1981Canadian Pacific Railway CentennialChristopher Gorey353,742$18.00148,647$14.00
1982Regina CentennialHuntley Brown577,959$15.25144,989$10.95
1983World University GamesCarola Tietz340,068$16.15159,450$10.95
1984Toronto SesquicentennialD.J. Craig571,079$17.50133,563$11.40
1985National Parks CentennialKarel Rohlicek537,297$17.50162,873$12.00
1986Vancouver CentennialElliott John Morrison496,418$18.00124,574$12.25
1987John Davis 400th AnniversaryChristopher Gorey405,688$19.00118,722$14.00
1988Saint-Maurice IronworksR.R. Carmichael259,230$20.00106,702$15.00
1989Mackenzie River BicentennialJohn Mardon272,319$21.75110,650$16.25
1990Henry Kelsey TricentennialD.J. Craig222,983$22.9585,763$16.75
1991FrontenacD.J. Craig222,892$22.9582,642$16.75
1992Kingston to York StagecoachKarsten Smith187,612$23.9578,16017.50
1993Stanley Cup CentennialStewart Sherwood294,214$23.9588,150$17.50
1994RCMP Northern Dog TeamIan D. Sparkes178,485$24.5065,295$17.95
1995325th Anniv. Hudson's Bay CompanyVincent McIndoe166,259$24.5061,819$17.95
1996John McIntosh, McIntosh AppleRoger Hill133,779$29.9558,834$19.95
199725th Anniversary of Canada/Russia Summit SeriesWalter Burden184,965$29.95155,252$19.95
199710th Anniversary of Loon DollarJean-Luc Grondin24,995$49.95No BU existsN/A
1998125th Anniversary of RCMPAdeline Halvorson130,795$29.9581,376$19.95
1999225th Anniversary of the Voyage of Juan PerezD.J. Craig126,435$29.9567,655$19.95
1999International Year of Older PersonsS. Armstrong-Hodgins24,976$49.95No BU existsN/A

Definition of finishes

  • Bullion
  • Proof
  • Specimen

Mint marks

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • Dot
  • H
  • Innukshuk
  • International Polar Year
  • Maple Leaf
  • P
  • Paralympic Logo
  • RCM Logo
  • T/É
  • Teddy Bear
  • W
  • W/P