Thoughts On Older Proof Dollar Designs

@Silver Don, your photos are simply amazing, seeing your photos, I fall in love with the coins all over again. The details just pop, I cant achieve the same effect. The was a thread comparing the different voyageur type dollars, it was so inspiring. Seeing threads with images, inspires one to take a closer look. Some people are talented in bringing out a coins details in their images. The frosting was superior then too. Its a shame they changed it.

I've always liked the 1989 SD that marked the 200th anniversary of Alexander Mackenzie's 1789 exploration of Canada's northern wilderness. I appreciate the coin's detailed design and believe it captures the essence of early Canadian exploration.

Traveling via the river that would come to bear his name, Mackenzie's expedition eventually made it to the Arctic Ocean. A second trip, in 1793, saw Mackenzie reach the Pacific Ocean. Based on these trips, Mackenzie became the first European to cross North America.




As SilverDon, I too like the 1994 Last RCMP Dog Patrol coin. I find the perspective presented effectively gives the viewer a sense of motion and energy.




I also like the 2010 enameled Poppy dollar. I think the simplicity of the design very effectively communicates the message of the passing of Canada's last WWI veteran.




@pocketchange: I would suggest the reason you put the 1978 and 1983 designs at the bottom of your list is that they are the most two-dimensional of all of Canada's SD designs. They each look like an illustration placed on a coin vs. a true 3-D sculpted design.

What I am realizing is that I am really liking any designs that feature boats or ships on water. Odd as I was born in Alberta and have not had that much opportunity to visit either coast for any length of time. Just seems these designs are really well done.

I'm also starting to grow fond of this guy - one of my first auction purchases. Tried selling it over the past year on ebay and kijiji with no luck and now I'm thinking of holding on to it.
I don't really mind the toning. Still trying to understand why it happens more on some coins than others. Glad these don't seem to get the milk spots like the bullion RCM maple leaf coins.

I was just looking at "Quantity Sold" of various past silver dollars, ups and downs. The "main" silver dollar each year, single (BU/PR) and also included in sets, typically altogether 100,000 were sold, even in recent years. But the additional annual issues, for example the 2010 Enamelled Poppy (photo above) only 4,907, other years usually not more than 10,000. Seems to indicate silver dollar collectors have not responded well to RCM's habit of making too much of a good thing and the buyer loyalty extends mainly to that first SD purchase each year. Considering other number of mintages though, the volume of sales is still very impressive.

Your right aghawk
The 1979 Griffin only came in Specimen Finish.
The first Proof Finish was the 1981 Dollar.

Pocket Change, that's good to know! It certainly is an appealing design, one that I'm missing as well.

Noticing the vast array for newer collectors, must be mind boggling to decide where to begin. There's certainly great opportunity for theme collecting - ships, people, animals, every 5th year, etc.

Pocket Change, just curious did you keep your 2010 in the slab or did you set it free?