Beautiful World Coins

The 2010 Water Lily Silver Proof 20 Dollar Coin has three Crystal Elements!

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces this beautiful 2010 Water Lily silver proof $20 coin to create a unique keepsake of Canada’s diverse flora. The water lily (Nymphaea odorata) is a beautiful water plant that crowns Laurentian lakes from early summer to mid-autumn with showy pink or white flowers and round green leaves that can reach up to 28 cm (11 in) in diameter. 

The water lily is related to the lotus, hailed the loveliest of flowers with powerful symbolism in cultures throughout the world. Much of this symbolism is attributed to the flower’s ability to emerge from the depths of muddy waters to bring life and beauty to the surface—an image that inspired the ancient Egyptian myth of a world created out of moisture. Throughout North America, many First Nations communities used the water lily’s roots, leaves and flowers for medicinal purposes. Even the rhizomes, young leaves and lower buds were eaten and the seeds were fried or ground into flour. 

This intriguing beauty also caught the attention of Brother Marie-Victorin (1885-1944), one of Canada’s greatest botanists and founder of Montreal’s historic Botanical Garden. He included the water lily in one of the 2,800 illustrations in his book Flore laurentienne—a monumental work that remains a cornerstone reference in university botany courses to this day.

The reverse of this coin shows a beautiful water lily poised between two floating leaves with three CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, "CANADA", "20 DOLLARS", and the year of issue. The obverse shows the fourth design of the Queen’s effigy, "ELIZABETH II", and "D.G.REGINA".

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2010

Face value: 20 Dollars

Finish: Proof, with color and three Swarovski Elements on the reverse

Composition: 99.99% Silver

Size: 38 mm

Weight: 31.39 grams

Mintage: 10,000

The 2010 Year of the Tiger Silver Proof Lunar Lotus Coin from Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces this beautiful 2010 Year of the Tiger Silver Proof $15 Coin, the first coin in a 12-year series featuring unique scalloped-shaped coins, reminiscent of a lotus flower.

The Year of the Tiger also ruled 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998. However, people born in January or February should consult the Chinese lunar calendar. New Year does not automatically fall on January 1st. This celebration is better known as the Spring Festival and coincides with the first day of spring—a date that shifts from year to year depending upon the lunar cycle and solar year.

The year 2010 is ruled by the Tiger, a majestic animal. The Tiger personality is equally impressive; powerful and daring. Expect a lot of activity when the dynamic Tiger is in your midst. The Tiger is restless and reckless, always ready for action. His zest for life is contagious. The Tiger is incredibly funny, impulsive and sometimes quick-tempered. He may not be the most objective leader, but his fiery passion and fearlessness ultimately capture people’s admiration and respect.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2010

Face value: 15 Dollars

Finish: Proof

Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper

Size: 38 mm

Weight: 26.29 grams

Mintage: 19,888

The Sun Limited Edition 2010 Silver Proof Ultra-High Relief Coin from Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces this 2010 Limited Edition Silver Proof Ultra-High Relief Coin featuring the Sun.

Since time immemorial, the sun has been a powerful symbol for people throughout the world. It has also been a cornerstone in the culture of Canada’s many First Nations communities, representing life, abundance, healing and peace. The sun was carved on masks and totem poles and is the symbol that currently crowns the world’s tallest totem located in Alert Bay (British Columbia). One First Nations legend recounts how Raven released the sun from a box. People believed the Sun Chief could be reached by climbing a chain of arrows, and that he descended from the sky each day by sliding down the sun’s long rays.

The design of this beautiful coin has been crafted in ultra-high relief, an exceptional level of sculpting that requires significant hand crafting and polishing. Slight inconsistencies in the quality of the surface are normal for this ultra-high relief process. This coin is a stunning addition to the Mint's growing gallery of First Nations-inspired coin designs issued in celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2010

Face value: 1 Dollar

Finish: Frosted relief on a proof-like field

Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper

Size: 36.15 mm

Weight: 30 grams

Mintage: 5,000

The 2010 Dromaeosaurus silver proof $4 coin, the last of the dinosaur coins from Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces the 2010 Dromaeosaurus silver proof coin, the fourth and last coin in the Dinosaurs series celebrating Western Canada's reputation as a treasure trove of fossil specimens. The dinosaurs' fossilized bones testify to the massive beasts that once ruled the earth but disappeared suddenly 65 million years ago. Discovered by paleontologists in the late 1800's, they inspired generations of dinosaur hunters and established Canada as one of the richest sources of Late Cretaceous fossils on earth.

*** 10/28/09 Update: The Royal Canadian Mint just announced that this very popular dinosaur coin series will be extended! A 5th coin will be issued in the Fall of 2010. ***

Dromaeosaurus (or “running lizard”) was one of two raptor species that lived in Alberta between 74 and 76 million years ago when the province and neighboring Saskatchewan were the lush subtropical shore of a great inland sea. These dinosaurs ran upright on their two hind legs. They measured about 2.5 m (8.25 ft) from head to tail and would normally weigh less than 20 kg (44 lb). They had clawed hands on their fore limbs and sharp, recurved teeth that were perfectly designed for slicing into prey.

This coin features a captivating design of fossilized dinosaur bones with a selective aging technique that enhances the characteristics of these prehistoric creatures, giving the impression of a real stone fossil. Variations in tone and color are a direct result of this process. No two coins are alike.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2010

Face value: 4 Dollars

Finish: Proof

Composition: 99.99% Silver

Size: 34 mm

Weight: 15.87 grams

Mintage: 20,000

The previous dinosaur coin in this series was the 2009 Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The 2009 International Year of Astronomy Silver Proof 30-Dollar Coin from Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces this 2009 International Year of Astronomy silver proof coin featuring an observatory with a universe of heavenly wonders shimmering within and around the beautifully painted night sky.

Over centuries, seekers watched and charted, recorded and theorized. And then, in 1609, Galileo Galilei peered through his telescope. He saw that the moon was not smooth, but covered with craters. He discovered the four moons of Jupiter and Saturn's rings. He concluded that the Milky Way was composed of stars and advanced the study of sunspots. Galileo's telescope was arguably the genesis of modern scientific instruments, launching a new age that took humanity's perceptions a quantum leap forward, far beyond the physical confines of earth.

Before the end of the 17th century, new concepts like the speed of light and universal gravity were born. By the 1890's, the fundamentals of rocket science were taking shape, less than a century before the first object began orbiting the earth. Within a wink of astronomical time, people were walking on the moon and robotic probes were exploring all the planets of the solar system.

For four hundred years, Galileo's vision for the power of evidence-based scientific enquiry has enriched human understanding of the natural world. And with cutting-edge technology, the inter-galactic expedition that is astronomy has become increasingly accessible, inspiring countless people to ponder its mysteries. As renowned Canadian astronomer/educator Helen Sawyer Hogg reminds us, "The stars belong to everyone." Come explore...

For information on the International Year of Astronomy in Canada, visit www.astronomy2009.ca

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2009

Face value: 30 Dollars

Finish: Proof

Composition: 92.5% Silver

Size: 40 mm

Weight: 33.75 grams

Mintage: 10,000

This 2009 Tyrannosaurus Rex Silver Proof Dinosaur Fossil Coin looks so cool!

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces the 2009 Tyrannosaurus Rex silver proof coin, the third coin in the Dinosaurs series celebrating Western Canada's reputation as a treasure trove of fossil specimens. The dinosaurs' fossilized bones testify to the massive beasts that once ruled the earth but disappeared suddenly 65 million years ago. Discovered by paleontologists in the late 1800's, they inspired generations of dinosaur hunters and established Canada as one of the richest sources of Late Cretaceous fossils on earth.

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of several large carnivore (tyrannosaur) species that lived in Alberta, appearing shortly before the mysterious mass extinction. The mighty Tyrannosaurus rex (or "tyrant lizard") measured up to 39 feet from head to tail. It had a gaping 3-foot bite with 4- to 6-inches long teeth that could rip out hundreds of pounds of flesh at a time.

This coin features a captivating design of fossilized dinosaur bones with a selective aging technique that enhances the characteristics of these prehistoric creatures, giving the impression of a real stone fossil. Variations in tone and color are a direct result of this process. No two coins are alike.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2009

Face value: 4 Dollars

Finish: Proof

Composition: 99.99% Silver

Size: 34 mm

Weight: 15.87 grams

Mintage: 20,000

Celebrate The Montreal Canadiens® 100-Years Anniversary With This Special Edition Silver Proof Dollar Coin

The Royal Canadian Mint celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens® hockey team with this 2009 special edition silver proof dollar coin featuring the Canadiens centennial official logo. The selective gold-plating over the logo and rim adds a rich contrast to this coin's proof silver finish.

On December 4, 1909, two days after the founding of the National Hockey Association and eight years prior to the formation of the NHL, the hockey world sees the birth of the Montreal Canadiens at Montreal’s Windsor Hotel thanks to businessman J. Ambrose O’Brien. The Montreal Canadiens® are the oldest and most successful franchise in professional hockey history. Fifty-four members of Hockey Hall of Fame, countless individual trophy winners, 15 retired jerseys, and of course, an NHL-record 24 Stanley Cup Championships – including an unprecedented five consecutive titles from 1956-1960 and an amazing 10 in 15 seasons from 1964-65 to 1978-79.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2009

Face value: 1 Dollar

Finish: Proof with gold accents

Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper

Size: 36.07 mm

Weight: 25.175 grams

Mintage: 15,000

This 2009 Silver Proof Coin Celebrates 100 Years of Flight in Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint celebrates the 100th anniversary of Flight in Canada with this 2009 silver proof coin featuring a young person running, arms spread out as if in flight. In the background, the Silver Dart, the Avro Arrow and 431 Squadron (Snowbird), their formation giving shape to the maple leaf included in this design.

This coin is also the 50th annual issue in this enduring series of silver proof Canadian coins.

The Silver Dart was the brainchild of the Aerial Experiment Association, a group of flight enthusiasts recruited by Alexander Graham Bell. The Silver Dart’s maiden flight in Canada took place on February 23, 1909, and the aircraft was piloted by John Alexander Douglas McCurdy, a young engineering graduate and AEA member. The experiment marked the first controlled powered flight in Canada and the British Empire—not to mention a new chapter in the nation’s history.

More information about the Flight of the Silver Dart - the Centennial Celebration.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2009

Face value: 1 Dollar

Finish: Proof

Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper

Size: 36.07 mm

Weight: 25.175 grams

Mintage: 50,000

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins!

The Royal Canadian Mint celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Silver Maple leaf coins with this double-dated 1988-2008 silver Maple Leaf coin featuring a beautiful gold-plated maple leaf design. Introduced in 1988, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins fast became the standard by which other bullion coins are measured. These coins are precision-crafted to reach the heightened level of 9999 purity.

This coin is the first gold-plated silver Maple Leaf coin ever. Its obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II used on the first coins launched in 1988, by Arnold Machin.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2008

Face value: 5 Dollars

Finish: Bullion with gold-plated Maple Leaf

Composition: 99.99% Silver

Size: 38 mm

Weight: 31.39 grams

Mintage: 10,000

Three coins celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the end of the First World War

The Royal Canadian Mint, in association with the Royal Canadian Legion, is proud to issue three coins commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armistice. Between 1914 and 1918 over 650,000 Canadian men and women fought to protect the peace and freedom our country enjoys today. Of those, more than 66,000 gave their lives and another 170,000 would be wounded.

The first coin is a commemorative circulation 25-cent coin featuring the iconic red poppy, Canada's flower of remembrance. The poppy coin is the third colored circulation coin to be produced by the RCM, following the 2004 red poppy coin honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend Canada's freedom, and the 2006 pink ribbon coin which raised awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

The second coin is an oversized commemorative 25-cent coin depicting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Three soldiers representing Canada's land, sea and air forces stand in tribute.

The third coin is a limited-edition poppy proof silver dollar featuring a finely sculpted poppy blossom in ultra-high-relief set against a maple leaf with a ribbon of remembrance, and the inscription “1918 ARMISTICE 2008”.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2008

Face value: 25 Cents (Poppy and National War Memorial), 1 Dollar (Limited-edition Poppy)

Finish: Circulation (Poppy), Specimen (National War Memorial), Proof (Limited-edition Poppy)

Composition: 94% Steel, 3.8% Copper, 2.2% Nickel (Poppy), Nickel-Plated Steel (National War Memorial), 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper (Limited-edition Poppy)

Size: 23.88 mm (Poppy), 35 mm (National War Memorial), 36.15 mm (Limited-edition Poppy)

Weight: 4.4 grams (Poppy), 12.61 grams (National War Memorial), 30 grams (Limited-edition Poppy)

Mintage: 11,000,000 (Poppy), 25,000 (National War Memorial), 5,000 (Limited-edition Poppy)