Commems Collection Canadian: 1997 Summit Series Silver Dollar

I've previously posted about the various "Silver Dollar Derivative" packaging options associated with Canada's 1997 commemorative silver dollar (SD) (see links below), but I wanted to post a few thoughts specifically about the SD itself...


In 1972, Canada and Russia faced off in the Canada-USSR Series (later to become known as the Summit Series) - an epic eight-game hockey match; Canada hosted the first four games, the Soviet Union the second four. In Canada, single games were played in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver (games 1 through 4, respectively). In the USSR, all four games were played in Moscow.

The USSR took the lead in the series in Canada, leaving the country with a 2-1-1 record. Things turned around for Canada in Russia, however, as, after losing Game 5, its team won the final three games to win the series 4 to 3 with 1 tie. In Game 8, Russia led entering the Third Period 5 - 3. but Canada stormed back with three goals, including the last one with just 34 seconds left on the clock!

In 1997, the Royal Canadian Mint (R C M) issued a commemorative silver dollar (SD) to mark the 25th anniversary of Canada's victory in the series. The coin was available in Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated versions, with issue prices of $29.95 and $19.95 (CAD), respectively. The coins were struck on sterling silver (0.925 fine silver) planchets with a diameter of 36.07 millimeters and a weight of 25.175 grams; the coins feature a serrated/reeded edge.

The Proof coin had a final mintage/sales total of 184,965 coins; the BU version sold 155,252 units.

The obverse design presents the Dora de Pedery-Hunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (facing right). IMO, the most "regal" of all the QEII portraits used on Canada's coins. The commemorative reverse depicts the scene seconds after Paul Henderson scored the game/series-winning goal with just 34 seconds left in the final game. The goal won the game for Canada and secured an epic 5 games to 3 games Series win.

1997 Canada-USSR Hockey Summit Series Silver Dollar / Reverse - BU Version


The goal-scoring scene was originally captured in a photograph by Denis Brodeur; it has become an iconic image. The coin's adaptation of the photograph is credited to Walter Burden with its engraving by Stan Witten.

Here are links to the packaging options for the SD (in addition to the individual coin packages):

- 1997 Summit Series 25th Anniversary Coin And Pin Set
- 1997 Summit Series 25th Anniversary Coin, Phone Card and Stamp Set
- 1997 Summit Series 25th Anniversary Gift Set

For an Index to all of the special packaging option the Mint has offered for its commemorative silver dollars over the years, check out:

- Index To Silver Dollar Packaging Posts


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