With the first batch of new 2025 Silver Dollars (SDs) now in general release...This is the 8th (and final) iteration of my Queen Elizabeth II "By the Numbers" post about Canada's modern non-circulating legal tender (NCLT), 36 millimeter, commemorative Silver Dollar series. It covers the period from mid-2022 through the end of 2023. Future updates to this tracker will focus on the King Charles III era.
One major change to Canada's long-running commemorative Silver Dollar series took place since my last "By the Numbers" post - the series has transitioned from an Obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to one depicting King Charles III. Such a transition creates an natural line of demarcation for the series. So, I've decided to split the tracker into two - one for the now-completed QEII series and another for the KCIII series.
(Note: As stated above, this will be the last iteration of the QEII tracker unless I become aware of an error.)QEII had been the primary monarch to appear on Canada's NCLT SDs since the series' inception in 1971 and thus had a run of over 50 years! The series produced more than 150 different coins!
(Note: On several occasions, a different monarch appeared on the obverse to keep it in sync with its commemorative/anniversary intent, but they all were still part of the QEII SD era.)As in the past, I've added new issue counts to the appropriate categories for all SDs that were released since the last update. Here's a link to my 2022 post in case you'd like to compare:
By The Numbers 2022 .
(Note: Each release of this tracker includes the first SD releases of the year (historically, the January/February releases).)In my first "By the Numbers" table, back in 2012, I listed 58 design types and 103 total SDs in a complete collection. The numbers have steadily increased over the years, some years more than others (2017 was a BIG year for new SDs!). The current tracker lists 153 SDs needed for a complete set (an increase of 6 vs. the 147 of the last update.
(Note: Canada's Peace Dollars are not included in this tracker as they represent a series onto themselves.) As with past lists, large-format coins (e.g., those of the Renewed Silver Dollar series) are not included in this census, nor are the smaller silver Loon dollars - just 36 mm SDs from 1971 through 2023. Also, the 2012 Two Loons colourized SD is not included - it is larger, at 38 mm in diameter, than the other coins on the list. It's up to each collector to decide if he/she would like to include non-36 mm SDs as part of their SD collection. For me, I stick with the 36 mm size of Canada's traditional circulating SD - it keeps things simple for me.
As I've stated previously, I use this data table to track the different categories of R C M 36 mm SDs. It should be thought of as more of a category census than an issue-by-issue collecting checklist or value tracker. The data is meant only to define and quantify the various 36 mm SD types issued by the Royal Canadian Mint. It does not/will not include images of the 150+ coins.The
RCM's modern NCLT silver dollar series continues to be its longest-running commemorative coin series, dating back to 1971 (earlier if you include the collector versions of circulating commemorative issus). I believe it offers a reasonable collecting challenge to those who decide to pursue it - even if you are starting from Square One! While all of the coins are generally available in the market, finding nice examples of the earlier issues can sometimes be a little difficult due to their improper handling over the years. Though the rise in the spot price of silver has caused a general price increase across the series, most issues remain available at very reasonable price levels.
One note, in mid-2023, the Mint issued a "Special Edition Proof Set" that featured the same Kit Coleman SD as could be purchased individually beginning earlier in the year. As such, I have not listed it as a separate Type to collect.Canadian NCLT Silver Dollars - By the Numbers
Posted 03/07/2025 3:47 pm
