Saturday , 9 November 2024

A Look At Canada’s Unique, Beautiful & Costly Coins (+5K Views)

So writes Monica Bugaiski (www.theloop.ca/living/money/) in edited excerpts from her original post* entitled Happy 26th birthday to the Loonie.

 [The following article is presented by Lorimer Wilson, editor of www.munKNEE.com and may have been edited ([ ]), abridged (…) and/or reformatted (some sub-titles and bold/italics emphases) for the sake of clarity and brevity to ensure a fast and easy read. This paragraph must be included in any article re-posting to avoid copyright infringement.]

1.  The Loonie

25 years have passed since Canada bid farewell to one-dollar banknotes and opened its arms to the beloved minted bird that is affectionately “coined” the Loonie.

Loonie 1

2. The Million Dollar Coin

That’s no misprint. This million-dollar coin is what the Royal Canadian Mint refers to as a “true milestone.” Made in 2007, it’s the Guinness World Record’s largest gold coin, and weighing in at 100kg, we imagine it’s rather hard to pocket. Where is it now? According to the Mint, this ginormous coin is in the possession of a Dubai resident who has turned it into a coffee table. Nope, not kidding.

World's First 100-kg, .99999% Pure Gold Bullion Coin
MunKNEE.com Editor-in-Chief Lorimer Wilson with the world’s first 100-kg, 99999 pure gold bullion coin with a $1 million face value. It was produced by The Royal Canadian Mint.

3. The $100,000 Coin

Designed by sculptor, carver and master goldsmith Bill Reid, the Spirit of Haida Gwaii coin weighs 10 kg and is 99.999% pure gold. Only 15 of these gems are available for purchase, so if you’re looking to invest in gold, this might be the key.

coin 3

4. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

This beauty won top prize in the 2012 International Commemorative Coins Contest. To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, a real diamond was placed in the $300 pure gold coin.

coin 4

5. Fine Gold Kilo “Towards Confederation”

Be inspired by this 2010 World Money Fair Most Inspirational Coin winner. It’s intricate, to say the least.

coin 5

6. 400th Anniversary of Hudson Bay

This carefully crafted $100 gold coin commemorates Canada’s history and took the 2012 prize for Most Historically Significant Coin at the Karusse Publications 2012 Coin of the Year Awards.

coin 6

7. Fine Silver Crystal Snowflake

A coin doesn’t have to gold to be considered a thing of beauty, and this snowflake carved into silver and adorned with Swarovski crystals is as delicate and alluring as they come.

coin 7

8. Terry Fox Loonie

Keep an eye out for this Canadian hero. Today the Mint honours Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope by releasing specialized $1 coins with his running figure gracing its curves.

coin 8

9. Summer Moon Mask

Made in 2009, this $300 gold coin depicts a carving of the Coast Salish people of British Columbia.

coin 9

10. Big and Little Bear constellations coins

Nothing is more Canadian than our vast night skies, and this 2007 Most Inspirational Coin winner depicts a scenic starry night.

coin 10

11. Breast Cancer Quarter

The 25-cent pink ribbon coin was minted and sent into circulation in hopes of creating a future without breast cancer.

coin 11

12. Gold Bullion Maple Leaf

This pretty penny contains a patriotic hologram and was produced for the 20th anniversary maple leaf coin series.

coin 12

 

13. Centennial of Parks Canada

This 2011 one-dollar coin captured the beauty and playfulness of our national parks.

coin 13

 

14. Lucky Loonies

Since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the Mint released Lucky Loonies to show our athletes support at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The coins of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games might just be our favorite.

coin 14

15. Original Loon

Classic loon. Classic Canada.

coin 15

 

[Editor’s Note: The author’s views and conclusions in the above article are unaltered and no personal comments have been included to maintain the integrity of the original post. Furthermore, the views, conclusions and any recommendations offered in this article are not to be construed as an endorsement of such by the editor.]

*http://www.theloop.ca/living/money/the-next-step/photo-gallery/-/p/6274/Happy-25th-birthday-to-the-Loonie/2357441

Related Articles:

1. Fiat Currencies from Around the World: An Interactive Quiz

Paper money was first used by the Chinese during the Tang Dynasty in 806 AD–500 years before Europe began printing money in the 17th century. It would be another 100 years before America started circulating a national paper currency…. How familiar are you with banknotes from around the world? Read More »

2. All 14 U.S. Border States to Adopt Canadian Dollar as Their Official Currency Effective July 1st!

8 Comments

In a bid to streamline business and tourist transactions, eleven U.S. states are set to adopt the Canadian dollar as their official currency [effective, July ist, 2013. Read on for more details.] Words: 656 Read More »

3. Americans – Your Pocket Change Might Contain Coins Worth Thousands of Dollars! Here Are the Top 10 to Look Out For

There are a number of U.S. error coins and die varieties in circulation today worth from $30 to $35,000 because they have small distinguishing characteristics that make them rare and valuable. This article will tell you which of your pocket change coins might be worth a large premium over face value, and why. Words: 1076 Read More »

4. New Series of Canadian & American Silver Coins Coming to Market

The United States Mint has taken the demand for more mass production silver bullion coins seriously of late with the expansion of their offering to a planned total of 57 new coins by 2021 with the introduction of their America the Beautiful Bullion Coin Series . Canada’s Royal Canadian Mint has followed suit expanding its offering of mass production silver bullion coins to 8 by 2013 with the launch of their Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coin Series Program. Below are the details. Words: 958

5. There’s a Dirty Little Secret to Cleaning Bullion Coins – Here’s How

Improper cleaning results in the loss of a small amount of metal from the surface of the coin. Repeated cleaning can actually lower the grade of a coin by removing too much metal. To learn the answer as to what is the best way to go about storing and cleaning your gold and silver coins read on. Words: 417

6. Beware The Dangers of Buying Gold Coins

$50 Cdn Maple Leaf Coin - front

At first glance, buying gold may seem a simple, straight forward process. However, there are dangers, such as falling for a telemarketer’s line that his coins are “non-confiscatable” and somehow have more value because you bought them from him. Basic bullion is the way to go when investing in gold. Words: 788

7. Eagles, Buffaloes & Maple Leafs: Gold Bullion Coins of U.S. & Canada

$5_american_gold_eagle_obv

I think we all would agree that owning a 10 kg bar of gold would be nice but that it is probably out of the question at the current cost of over $500,000! I had the pleasure of caressing such a bar recently and being surprised at just how heavy (22.045855 lbs.) it was for such a small object. Below I describe the gold coins of Canada and the United States. Words: 870

8. The Pros and Cons of Buying Gold Bars, Ingots and Coins

For a long time the buying and selling of gold has been outside the reach of the average citizen. The predominate banknote and the dominant currencies previously managed to position themselves very well in respect of the precious metal during stable periods. However, it is during difficult times [such as these when] quantitative easing and currency wars have highlighted the volatility and vulnerability of currencies…that the true, safe value of gold really stands out…Fortunately, it is now easier for you to convert your savings into gold… [than ever before and this article outlines the reason for buying physical gold and the advantages and disadvantages of buying gold bars, ingots and/or coins. Read on!] Words: 853

9. What Do Gold Measurements “Troy” Ounce and “Karat”  Really Mean?

You have no doubt read countless articles on the price of gold costing x dollars per “troy ounce” or perhaps just x dollars per “ounce” but the difference between the two measurements is significant. For that matter, what’s the difference between a 24 karat gold ring and an 18 karat gold ring?  Let me explain. Words: 863 Read More »

10. China Flooding Market With Counterfeit Gold & Silver Coins! Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Whether it’s pirated software, poison-infused baby formula, cancer-causing drywall, luxury purses, or fake medicines, if you need a knock-off, China has traditionally been the go-to country, with a counterfeiter always willing to oblige. Now, with precious metals prices on the cusp of possibly the biggest price explosion in centuries, fake gold and silver products are becoming a booming industry. Here are some safeguards to protect yourself from getting duped. Words: 1124 Read More »