Commems Collection Canadian: 2013 Canadian Bank Of Commerce - Coin 1 Of 4

...and we're off!

The first coin in the Canadian Bank Note series is one based on an 1888 $20 note from the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

1888 Bank of Commerce $20 Note

(Image Credit: Bank of Canada Museum - National Currency Collection.)

The vignette presented on the commemorative reverse design of the coin is seen at the left on the front of the note; it was engraved and printed by the American Bank Note Company. The original note measures 183 mm (horizontal) by 84 mm (vertical).

The $20 note was part of a series issued by the Canadian Bank of Commerce that included $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 banknotes; the series was active from 1888 to 1912.

The $5.00 coin was struck on a 99.99% fine silver planchet with a diameter of 36.07 mm and a weight of 23.17 grams; the coin's edge is serrated/reeded. It had an issue price of $69.95 and a maximum mintage of 8,500 - the actual mintage (units sold) was 7,155 (per Mint Annual Reports).

The Royal Canadian Mint describes the coin's reverse design as:

"...a seascape-themed vignette from the Canadian Bank of Commerce's 1888 20-dollar bank note. The design centres a youthful figure: possibly a young Hermès, who was a god of the Greek pantheon and a patron of travellers. The figure leans on a large fish, holding a staff entwined by two snakes. Also known as a caduceus, this staff symbolizes commerce and balance. In the background are four ships from various ages of sea travel, a rocky point jutting out into the water, and a tall lighthouse to guide the vessels to safe harbour."

2013 Canadian Bank of Commerce Silver $5.00


2013 Canadian Bank of Commerce Silver $5.00 - Beauty Box


The coin's depiction of the note's vignette (its "design") was the work of Maurice Gervais, with its engraving done by Matthew Bowen.

I paid $49.95 + $14.95 shipping (CAD) - $64.90 total. The current exchange rate converted this to $49.10 (USD). About $4.00 USD above my target, but the postage from Canada to the US is typically higher vs. an in-country transaction. Hopefully, my future purchases will have lower postage costs and/or be more "local."


For more of my stories about commemorative coins and medals, including more on Canadian commemorative coins, see: Commems Collection.