Various Royal Canadian Mint Gold Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint has produced a large variety of gold coins with varying designs, themes, purity, and denominations. Coins have been produced in 25 Cents, $1, $5, $20, $50, $75, $175, $250, $300, $350, $500, and $2500. The purity of gold coins ranges from 10kt to .9999 pure.
2000 Canada $350 - Nova Scotia Mayflower As winter begins to retreat from Nova Scotia's forests, a chain of delicate pink flowers eagerly claims the first open spaces of spring. This is the Mayflower (Epigaea Repens) - a promise of warmth in the lingering cold, hope in the face of nature's adversity. So profound was this flower's springtime appearance that Nova Scotia's early residents quickly adopted it as a celebrated patriotic symbol. The Mayflower was praised by songwriters and poets. It was showcased on the province's early stamps and coins, as well as the decorative brass of its militia, and was officially declared the Provincial Flower of Nova Scotia in 1901.
Specifications:
Face Value: $350 Mintage: 1,971 Composition: 99.999% gold Weight (grams): 38.05 |
2006 Canada $350 - Quebec Iris Versicolor
The stylized fleur de lis that appears on Quebec's provincial flag has long been associated with France. This heraldic symbol was believed to represent the Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum), a native of southeastern Europe and Asia Minor that was consequently adopted as Quebec's floral emblem in 1963.
The fact that the Madonna Lily is not indigenous to Quebec sparked a move to adopt a new floral emblem that is truly part of the landscape - an undertaking that was further bolstered by growing evidence that the heraldic fleur de lis is not the Madonna Lily, but Iris pseudacorus, a large yellow iris that grows along the Lys River in Flanders. Over time, its common name fleur de la Lys was shortened to fleur de lis. Iris pseudacorus was brought to Quebec, but it does have a cousin that is native to this province - Iris versicolor L. Appropriately called the Blue Flag, this springtime flower has the distinctive shape and arresting blue tones that make it the perfect floral emblem for Quebec. It was officially adopted in 1999. Specifications:
Face Value: $350 Mintage: 2,006 Composition: 99.999% gold Weight (grams): 35.0 |
2005 Canada $75 Pope John Paul II Proof More than any pope in history, John Paul II was a central force in world affairs, his active participation in contrast to the reclusive papacies before him. He was the first pope to visit Canada, traveling across this nation from east to west in September 1984 and returning to speak in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, three years later.
Such conviction is usually borne of hardship and struggle. John Paul II lost his mother at 8, his brother at 11 and his father at 21. He experienced persecution under Nazi Germany and studied "underground." Yet, despite these difficulties, his warm and gentle grace was undeniable. The pope's passion and integrity are to be admired. By daring to bring critical issues to the fore, John Paul II initiated debate and change. That was his greatest gift to the church and to the world. Specifications:
Face Value: $75 Mintage: 1,721 Composition: 41.66% gold and 58.34% silver (10kt) Weight (grams): 31.44 |
2007 Canada Olympic $75 - RCMP Showcase of Canadian culture, wildlife and Olympic Winter Games themes. Series of 9 coins issued three times per year in 2007, 2008 and 2009, leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Features a color enhanced design on gold a Royal Canadian Mint first. Limited to 8,000 coins worldwide.
Specifications:
Face Value: $75 Mintage: 8,000 (per coin) Composition: 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver (14kt) Weight (grams): 12.0 |
2009 Canada Olympic $75 - Moose Showcase of Canadian culture, wildlife and Olympic Winter Games themes. Series of 9 coins issued three times per year in 2007, 2008 and 2009, leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Features a color enhanced design on gold a Royal Canadian Mint first. Limited to 8,000 coins worldwide.
Specifications:
Face Value: $75 Mintage: 8,000 Composition: 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver (14 kt) Weight (grams): 12.0 |
2006 Canada $1 - Proof Gold Louis
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the inhabitants of New France faced chronic shortages. Their colony was months away from the motherland, isolated by the Atlantic Ocean whose treacherous waters claimed countless sailing ships. Everything was scarce including coins!
An entire annual budget of coins was lost when Le Chameau slammed into the coast of Cape Breton in 1725, leaving no survivors and bits of broken cargo washed ashore. The story of lost treasure became a vibrant part of local lore, but people could only speculate if gold coins lay hidden in the dangerous waters until an adventurer arrived in 1960. Convinced the treasure was there, he spent the next five years searching. Finally in 1965 gold! Hidden deep under the ocean, near the bottom of a crevice and below layers of silver coins, lay hundreds of gold coins in near perfect condition. After 240 years, the mystery of Le Chameau's precious treasure was solved! Specifications:
Face Value: $1 Mintage: 10,000 Composition: 99.99% pure gold Weight (grams): 1.555 |
2007 Canada $1 - Proof Gold Louis
During the 17th and 18th centuries, French coins were a cornerstone of commerce in New France, of which some began to disappear after the surrender of Montreal to the British in 1760. French officials, aristocrats, artisans and soldiers were being exiled to France - and taking their fortunes with them.
When the Auguste set sail in October 1761, Chevalier Luc De La Corne and his family were among the 121 people on board. One of the richest men in Canada at the time, his personal cargo consisted of vast amounts of jewellery, silver and gold coins, but all was lost when the ship ran ashore on Cape Breton Island (NS). In 1977, part of the wreck was found and various expeditions have since recovered a wealth of artifacts. But one part of the ship continues to elude treasure hunters - the stern. Believed to contain the majority of valuables that were on board, it remains hidden at the bottom of the sea. Specifications:
Face Value: $1 Mintage: 10,000 Composition: 99.99% pure gold Weight (grams): 1.555 |
2008 Canada $1 - Proof Gold Louis
During the 17th and 18th centuries, French coins were a cornerstone of commerce in New France. Shipped across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean, many were lost at sea, only to become the coveted prize of treasure hunters centuries later. Such was the case with the 1723 Louis d'or Mirliton and the 1726 Louis d'or aux lunettes.
The Louis d'or aux deux L issued between 1720 and 1723 is one gold coin believed to have voyaged safely across the ocean. Historians believe the 1721 issue did indeed circulate among the colony's merchants and officials. They cite a letter dated July 1, 1721 indicating new gold coins were being shipped to Philippe de Rigaud de Vaudreuil, Governor General of New France at the time. No archaeological evidence to support this fact has ever been uncovered and the true fate of the 1721 Louis d'or on this side of the Atlantic remains as captivating as its successors that were claimed by the sea, an elusive treasure waiting to be discovered. Specifications: Face Value: $1 Mintage: 10,000 Composition: 99.99% pure gold Weight (g): 1.581 |
2010 Canada 25 Cents 0.5 gram Pure Gold Caribou
The caribou's head on the 25 cents circulation coin was introduced into Canadian circulation coinage in 1937 as a way to modernize the coinage. It was designed by the celebrated Canadian sculptor and coin designer Emanuel Hahn (1881-1957), who also created the designs for the "Voyageur" silver dollar of 1935 and the Nova Scotian racing schooner Bluenose on the 10-cent circulation coin. The caribou's head design on the 25-cent circulation coin has not changed since its creation. This coin is the smallest gold coin ever offered by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Specifications:
Face Value: 25 Cents Mintage: 15,000 Composition: 99.99% pure gold Weight (grams): 0.5 |
2011 Canada 25 Cents 0.5 gram Pure Gold Cougar
Averaging 64 kg (140 lbs) in weight and up to 3 m (from 5 to 9 feet) in length, the cougar is noted for its lithe musculature, long hind legs, and a tail that, at almost a metre long, acts as an important counterbalance for the noted jumper.
Cougars are known to disperse up to 1,000 km from their natal territory to establish their own hunting domains. Predators of elk, deer, sheep, young moose, and a range of smaller and domesticated animals, their biggest requirements when choosing a home are good cover, access to prey, and the privacy that allows the cougar to live the solitary life it enjoys. Today, there is evidence that the cougar is returning to parts of its former eastern range and that its western populations are growing. Sightings remain rare as this secretive hunter passes through the landscape like a ghost, leaving behind only a few prints and a lingering aura of mystery and awe. Specifications:
Face Value: 25 Cents Mintage: 15,000 Composition: 99.99% pure gold Weight (grams): 0.5 |
2012 Canada 1/10 Ounce $5 Pure Gold Year of the Dragon 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.
Special Edition Year of the Dragon coin (one-off, not part of a series/subscription) in pure gold and specimen finish. Specifications:
Face Value: $5 Mintage: 38,888 Composition: 99.99% pure gold Weight (grams): 3.13 |
2012 Canada $5 The Queen's Diamond Jubilee - Royal Cypher
A royal cypher is a monarch’s identifier, much like a coat of arms. Cyphers have been used by British royals since the time of Henry VIII. They generally feature the monarch’s initial and titles, often beneath a symbol of rule, such as a crown. Unlike monograms that interweave letters, royal cyphers display each letter distinctly.
Queen Elizabeth II’s monogram, EIIR, features her initials, E II (Elizabeth II), and her title initial, R (Regina, Latin for Queen), below an image of St. Edward’s Crown which has been used for British coronations since the restoration of the monarchy and coronation of Charles II in 1661. The Royal Cypher is imprinted in the insignia of orders, decorations, medals and on badges. In Canada—a constitutional monarchy that recognizes Her Majesty as its head of state—it is common for this cypher to be surrounded by a wreath or garland of maple leaves, symbolizing the unique union of the Queen’s power and the sovereignty of the Canadian people. Specifications:
Face Value: $5 Mintage: 7500 Composition: 99.99% pure gold Weight (grams): 3.13 |
2008 Canada $300 IMAX Canadian Achievement Series
Just over 40 years ago, an idea was born that transformed the way people experience movies. The technological breakthrough of four Canadians: Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor, Robert Kerr and William Shaw resulted in the invention of IMAX, the best cinematic experience available. Today, close to a billion people worldwide have visited an IMAX theatre.
The IMAX Experience combines the world's clearest and brightest motion picture images with digital surround sound and an immersive theatre geometry that puts audiences IN the movie in a way that cannot be replicated in ordinary movie theatres or at home. IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies. In 1997, IMAX's innovation was recognized with an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement. In 2008, the Company intends to introduce its first fully digital IMAX 3D projection system paving the way for a new generation to enjoy the biggest and best cinematic experiences delivered with the newest technologies. IMAX is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Europe. Specifications:
Face Value: $300 Mintage: 1,000 Composition: 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver (14kt) Weight (grams): 45.00 |