The Snowbirds holographic coin is double struck in .9999 pure silver with a proof quality finish and weighs nearly one full ounce.  The nominal face value is $5.  The coloured holographic effects are created solely from the refraction of light on the pure silver.  The presentation includes a total of four matching 51-cents stamps (two in mint condition, two on a 'uniquely cancelled' souvenir sheet), as well as an interesting full colour booklet and a numbered plaque.  The set is presented in a silver metal box in the shape of the Snowbirds logo.  Although the maximum authorized mintage was set at 25,555, the actual mintage produced according to the 2007 Annual Report of the Royal Canadian Mint was only 10,034.

Quantity available: approx. 1,300 units

Item #1010
Saluting Our Heroes, Lest we forget
VE Day Proof Silver 5 Cent
and Medallion Set
Issue Price: $29.95   

In 2005, the Royal Canadian Mint produced a commemorative five cent coin to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day – Victory in Europe near the end of WWII in 1945. A total mintage of only 42,792  of these coins were produced for collectors in sterling silver in near flawless double struck frosted cameo proof condition, together with a bronze medallion depicting Land, Air and Sea imagery on the reverse and the late King George VI on the obverse. A 36 page bilingual booklet detailing Canada’s significant role leading up to the end of the war in Europe, with photographs depicting the Canadian effort, is also included in the presentation.

Quantity available: approx. 10,500 units

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada encompasses the coastal lowland forests in British Columbia. The design features the lush ferns, knotted trees and wildlife that typify the dense landscape of the Pacific Rim.

This coin is part of a “National Parks” themed series introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2005. The coin the weighs just over one ounce and is struck in .9999 pure silver.  (No GST applicable on this item.)  It is double struck with a frosted proof cameo finish – the absolute highest quality produced by the Mint. The coin is housed in an opening easel type case for easy display, and packaged in the original black RCM box. Official mintage according to the 2006 RCM annual report is only about 10,800 pieces. Nominal face value (legal tender) is $20. Official issue price is $69.95.

The Mingan Archipelago National Park reserve is in Quebec, and encompasses the largest estuary on earth where salt water mixes with fresh water. The coin depicts the four leading characteristics of the Mingan Archipelago:  the water of the St. Lawrence River, the rock, the vegetation and the sea life.

In 2005, the Royal Canadian Mint struck a proof quality pure silver $20 coin featuring the Toronto Island Lighthouse. The coin the weighs just over one ounce and is struck in .9999 pure silver.  (No GST applicable on this item.)  It is double struck with a frosted proof cameo finish – the absolute highest quality produced by the Mint. The coin is housed in an opening easel type case for easy display, and packaged in the original black RCM box. Official mintage according to the 2006 RCM annual report is only 13,812 pieces.  Nominal face value (legal tender) is $20.  Official issue price is $69.95.

The lighthouse featured on this coin was constructed at the port of York (now Toronto) at Gibraltar Point in 1808. In 1878, a powerful revolving light added to the lighthouse made Gibraltar one of the best lighthouses in North America. In addition to innovation, the mysterious death of Gibraltar’s first keeper in 1815 also built Gibraltar’s fame. After some 200 years of faithful service, the lighthouse of Toronto Island stands as the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The Mint has utilized a high-tech minting technique to accentuate the beam of light warning ships at night.   

Quantity available: approx. 2,125 units

This very large coin is the first ever $30 face value coin issued in Canada.  The totem pole design celebrates Canada’s native heritage and features a “Welcome Figure”. It is double struck in sterling silver with a frosted cameo finish, and housed in an opening easel type case for easy display. Official issue price is $79.95. Official mintage is only 9,904 pieces according to the 2006 RCM Annual Report. Designed by artist Richard Hunt.

According to the legends of Canada’s aboriginal peoples, every person has a "totem" - special characteristics they share with an animal, plant or inanimate object and which define their personal identity within their family and clan.  

The main figure is a chief holding a talking stick in one hand and a copper in the other. The copper is the symbol of prosperity. Above the talking stick is an eagle, the totem for the people of Fort Rupert, British Columbia. The chief is welcoming a visitor to his village. He is enveloped by a raven that is carrying an eagle in its tail. The guest is standing below the walking stick and is wearing a woven hat and chilkat blanket.

The Big House in the background is where the community gathers to perform its customs. The design on the front of the house is a Sea Monster, the totem for Mungo Martin, Dr. Hunt's grandfather. Mr. Martin was a significant force in reviving the traditional arts of the northwest Pacific Coast. The mountains are those of Vancouver Island. They also represent a family of ravens, the totem for the Hunt family.

Quantity available: approx. 1,350 units

This pure silver coin was issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2005 to pay tribute to Pope John Paul II. The coin the weighs just under one ounce and is struck in .9999 pure silver.  (No GST applicable on this item.)  It is double struck with a frosted proof cameo finish – the absolute highest quality produced by the Mint. The coin is housed in an opening easel type case for easy display, and packaged in the original black RCM box.  Official mintage according to the 2006 RCM annual report is only 24,100 pieces.  Nominal face value (legal tender) is $10.  Official issue price is $49.95.

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. In July 2002, millions gathered in Toronto, Ontario, to see the pope on World Youth Day.

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