Canadian coins have become very popular in recent years not only with Canadian collectors, but also with collectors from around the world. The branch of the government in Canada that is charged with producing coins is called the Royal Canadian Mint. You may be surprised to know that for the first 5 decades of Canada’s existence, coins were not actually made in Canada. The Royal Mint, in London, England made Canada’s coins up until the Ottawa mint location was built in 1908, but it was still under British control until 1931.
Over the years the Canadian mint has produced some beautiful coins that very accurately reflect the heritage of Canada. Many different designs of coins have been made in Canada over many years that it would be impossible to discuss each one here.
I have comprised a list of the most popular Canadian coins that collectors are interested in collecting and that tend to be very popular.
50 Cent Piece
This silver coin came into existence in in 1870 and it contained 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Over the years the ratio of silver and copper fluctuated and at one point was as low as 80% silver for a time. These coins are legal tender in Canada, but are not used by most of the population. It is so rare to see a 50 cent piece in circulation that many Canadians do not know what they are or believe them to be actual legal tender.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
This is the official bullion gold coin of Canada and it contains .99999% 24 karat gold, all of which comes from Canadian gold mines. First created in 1979, they became very popular because they were the only gold bullion coin available for sale in the world, other than the Krugerrand. Since it was not popular to buy Krugerrands from South Africa because of the political problems taking place there, the Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin experienced high demand.
The Maple Leaf gold coin comes in 1/20oz, 1/10, 1/14, ½ oz and even a 1 oz gold coin and face values on the coin go from $1 all the way up to $50. They are truly a Canadian coin and they clearly depict a Canadian Maple Leaf, the symbol for Canada, on their reverse side.
Quarters
Over the past few decades the Canadian Mint has produced coins for various organizations and commemorate certain events in the history of Canada. Often the regular design is put aside while other designs are made for circulation. A number of these commemorative coins have been made including: Remembrance Day Poppy Quarter, with a red poppy painted on. Another of these special quarters is the one made for breast cancer awareness which contained a pink ribbon.