Silver Kilogram Coins
2007 Canada $250 Early Canada Silver Kilo
The first pure silver 1 kilogram coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Canada's diverse and abundant wildlife play the central role in the coin's design: a grizzly bear with a salmon in its mouth to represent the west coast, a plains bison for the prairies, a moose and a beaver for the central and eastern regions and a wolf and caribou for the north.The First Peoples are represented in this design, both as individuals and through their distinctive building forms which were influenced by the geography, climate and the available building materials: the totem pole is found on the left side of the coin and represents the West Coast, the tipi is placed centrally in the design to represent the prairies, the wigwam is placed to the right side of the coin to represent Eastern Canada, and the inukshuk of the North is placed near the top of the design. This coin design also displays Canada's rugged geography. The left side of the coin represents the West Coast with both ocean and mountains, while centrally the design conveys both Prairies and inland waters. To the right side of the coin is the rugged East Coast Ocean which then transforms into the barren lands of the North. |
2008 Canada $250 Towards Confederation Silver Kilo
The design flows from east to west beginning in 1534, symbolized by a portrait of Jacques Cartier and a cross, claiming the land for France. Just below the portrait is an astrolabe representing explorer Samuel de Champlain. A rendition of the tall ship represents the British influence and the continuing French-English presence. This leads the eye to the centre of the design, which features Lower Fort Garry and the Red River Cart - a means of transportation over land and water. We see the Metis flag featuring the infinity symbol representing the coming together of the two distinct cultures: European and Native.
To the lower left of the design are the Voyageurs travelling by canoe over the rapids, representing the development of the fur trade in Canada. Another major Canadian industry is represented by the salmon swimming upstream. Above the Voyageurs are images of David Thompson and Alexander MacKenzie representing the exploration and mapping of Canada to the Pacific coast. Beside MacKenzie is an image of Fort Langley, representing the west coast and trading posts, while above him is an image of the logging industry which used the river system for transportation. The design comes full circle with the image of Province House in Prince Edward Island where the Fathers of Confederation met in 1867. |
2010 Canada $250 Olympic Proof Eagle Silver Kilo
An eagle soaring overhead is an inspiring sight. For First Nations people, the eagle is a symbol of power, peace and prestige. Countless legends have been told about this magnificent bird, which is still abundant in the Pacific Northwest and continues to inspire contemporary Aboriginal artists in much the same way it did their ancestors. The eagle is an important clan crest and is often the subject of totems, masks, prints and jewellery. Its feathers are considered sacred and are often an important part of ancient ceremonies, used to waft incense smoke around individuals during prayer, and given to honour individual acts of courage or wisdom. The eagle's down feathers are equally valued and are sprinkled on the ground to greet important visitors to the tribe - a fitting symbol as Vancouver, British Columbia welcomes the world to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
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2011 Canada $250 Maple Leaf Forever Silver Kilo
From backpackers in Berlin to peacekeepers in Pakistan, Canadians are immediately identifiable by a singular image they faithfully sport on pins, badges, and appliques: the red maple leaf
The 2011 Pure Silver Kilo Coins featuring the theme "Maple Leaf Forever" has a very limited mintage. |
2011 Canada $250 375th Anniversary Lacrosse Silver Kilo
Lacrosse is sport, legend, culture and history combined—a unique feature of the Canadian identity that emerged when European colonists encountered First Nations society. One of the first European documentations of this powerful sport is believed to have been written 375 years ago in 1636 by Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf from Condé-sur-Vire (France). Brébeuf became acquainted with baggataway (original name for Lacrosse) while living among the Hurons. Upon noticing that the playing stick resembled a bishop’s croisier, he renamed the game la crosse.
To the First Nations people, lacrosse was much more than play. Countless tribes engaged in "The Creator’s Game", firm in the belief the Creator invented the game for His own amusement. Players took to the field with the highest ideals. Lacrosse was a training ground for young warriors and was a non-warring means to settle tribal disputes. Players were determined to bring honour and glory to their teammates and to their tribes. Matches could cover vast territories and last months at a time. In an effort to intimidate their opponents, players covered their faces with war paint; a ritual believed to be the inspiration behind the modern custom of painting hockey goalie masks. |
2012 Canada $250 Year of the Dragon Silver Kilo
The year 2012 is ruled by the Dragon. The Dragon personality is the ultimate "doer." It tackles everything with fiery enthusiasm. The Dragon is extremely loyal to its loved ones and will come to the rescue every time. Right or wrong, forget about steering a Dragon away from a disastrous situation duty calls! The Dragon may have a big ego and demanding ways, but it inspires everyone it comes into contact with. This magical character is too captivating to resist.
The Year of the Dragon also ruled 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, and 2000. |
2012 Canada $250 Silver Kilo - King George III Peace Medal
In Canada, the practice of giving peace medals to First Nations chiefs dates back to the early 1670s, when such medals were handed out by the government of King Louis XIV of France. Around the same time, the British government of King Charles II was presenting similar medals to First Nations peoples in British colonies in what is now the eastern United States. When Britain gained control of France’s North American holdings following the Seven Years’ War (1756 to 1763), the French peace medals were replaced by British peace medals featuring King George II and, later, his grandson George III.
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