CANADA PROOF SILVER DOLLARS 1971 – 2019
At Colonial Acres Coins, we have an extensive selection of Canadian commemorative and proof silver dollars dating back to 1971. These beautiful coins help celebrate some of the most noteworthy events in Canadian history. With a combination of proof and specimen coins, we have something for every collector.
WHAT ARE PROOF COINS?
When a mint runs a coin issue, it creates some early samples to help with checking the quality and ensuring that the run will be successful. They are also used for archival purposes. These samples are called proof coins. Today’s mints don’t rely heavily on proof coinage for quality-assurance thanks to more advanced production technologies. However, they sometimes produce proof coins in greater numbers for coin collectors. They are especially common for commemorative coins.
Typically, proof coins have sharper rims and designs than coins later in the run. They also often have smoother fields. Proof coins are typically considered more desirable due to their relative perfection.
SILVER DOLLARS AND THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT
The Royal Canadian Mint began striking crown-sized silver pieces in 1935. The first was a commemorative coin celebrating George V’s silver jubilee, the 25th anniversary of his coronation. The entire run of these coins entered circulation.
Following a minting of over 1.3 million silver dollars to celebrate George VI visiting in 1939, the silver dollar entered a hiatus until 1945. The period between 1945 and 1953 is considered a high-water mark for coin collecting because of the low numbers and wide variety.
In 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II saw a major increase in the minting of silver dollars. However, this would be overshadowed by massive minting runs in the 1960s. A bull market for Canadian coins in the U.S. resulted in the creation of 39 million coins between 1963 and 1967.
In 1968 nickel planchets replaced the silver coins for the Canadian dollar. However, the RCM continues to mint silver dollars as commemorative coins. The dollars minted between 1935 and 1967 hold a special place with collectors due to preceding the switch to nickel.
COMMEMORATIVE COINS
Commemorative coins are used by the RCM to mark major events in Canadian history and their anniversaries. Proof coins of commemorative runs are often available in decorative sets from the mint. Both commemorative runs and their proof coins are popular among both serious and hobby collectors. These are a few examples of the types of events that receive commemorative coins:
- The 1981 Trans-Canada Railway Centennial Silver Dollar marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Trans-Canada Railway in 1881.
- The 1935-2010 Voyageur Silver Dollar celebrated the 75th anniversary of the first Canadian silver dollar. It features the famous Voyageur design that debuted in 1935.
- The 1972-1997 Canada/Russia Hockey Series Silver Dollar commemorated Canada’s 1972 victory against the USSR hockey team in the Summit Series.
Some of these commemorative coins are very limited in number. This can make those coins, especially pristine proof coins, quite valuable. They make a great addition to any collection while also celebrating Canada’s rich history.
Canadian commemorative and proof coins can range significantly in value and rarity. It doesn’t matter if your budget is tiny or immense. You can find coins at every price point.
FINDING COINS FOR YOUR COLLECTION
You can find the ideal coins for your collection at Colonial Acres Coins. Whether you are interested in Canadian silver dollars or any other special coin, we have something for you. Explore our full collection of circulated and uncirculated currency.
If you have coins you are interested in selling to us or auctioning, we can help with that too. Contact us if you have any questions about any of our coins.
Learn More
