Royal Canadian Mint Annual Sets

Each year the Royal Canadian Mint manufactures a variety of year sets containing all the coinage (circulating and non-circulating) from that year. Common staples each year include: double dollar proof sets, uncirculated sets, specimen sets, holiday themed sets, Oh Canada sets, baby sets, wedding sets, & many others.

Click image to view double dollar proof sets

Double Dollar Proof Sets

Double dollar proof sets are the highest quality annual production sets that can purchased. The proof finish describes a coin with a mirror like background and a frosted/matte like portrait on both the obverse and reverse of the coins. Each coin is double struck with precise and intricate detailing, is uncirculated, and is handled with the utmost care during production to ensure the highest quality product can be delivered to customers. This attention to detail, quality, and workmanship comes with a price, as the proof set is the most expensive yearly production set coin collectors can purchase. In more recent years a colorized or selectively gold plated silver dollar has been only available in the double dollar proof sets.

Click image to view specimen sets

Specimen Sets

Specimen sets are the second highest quality annual production sets that can be purchased. The specimen finish describes the frosted/matte finish in the background of the coins on both the obverse and reverse. The technical definition of specimen is brilliant and frosted relief on a lined background. In recent years the specimen sets have contained unique special edition $1 or $2 coins with various animal themes.

Click image to view proof-like/uncirculated sets

Proof-Like/Uncirculated Sets

Proof-Like/Uncirculated sets are the most basic annual production set. They are generally sealed in plastic and presented in envelopes. The coins are produced using the same method as circulation coins, but are sealed in plastic at the mint to ensure pristine uncirculated condition.

Other Sets (2005 Oh! Canada set pictured)

Other Royal Canadian Mint Annual Sets

Other sets include:
Oh Canada! sets (1994-Present)
Birthday sets (Various modern years)
Wedding sets (Various modern years)
Baby sets (1995-Present)
Holiday sets (2004-Present)
Graduation sets (Various modern years)
Hockey sets (2006-2011) 

These sets contain all the circulating/non-circulating coins from the stated year including 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, 1 dollar, and 2 dollar. More recently these sets generally contain a specialized coin (usually the quarter) reflecting the theme of the set. They are generally colorized or have a different design compared to a standard circulation coin.