As I've mentioned in the past, I enjoy collecting commemorative coins that celebrate joint history between the US and another country. The Royal Canadian Mint's 2014-15 "Exploring Canada" series gave me multiple collecting opportunities. I've posted previously about several coins from the series:
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Voyageurs-
The Arctic Expedition-
West Coast Exploration-
Pioneering MapmakersThis time out, I'm taking a look at a coin that celebrates the 19th Century "Gold Rush" that captured the attention of many in Canada and the United States.
Canada's "Gold Rush" largely took place between 1896 and 1899, following the discovery of gold near the Klondike River in the Yukon Territory (and Alaska) in 1896. The "Rush" brought an estimated 100,000 prospectors - many new to the endeavor - to the area in search of instant riches. Many did not understand the hard life realities of prospecting in the undeveloped region and suffered as a result. (Note: The Rush is generally referred to as either the "Yukon Gold Rush" or the "Klondike Gold Rush.")
To reach the Yukon gold fields, many prospectors first traveled to Alaska via ship, and then made their way inland - this is my US connection for the coin. Traversing the Chilkoot Trail between Alaska and Canada was a popular route. In total, the trip to the gold fields was generally hundreds of miles in length between its overland and river components. A good number of potential prospectors did not survive the trip, and when the rush ended, most of the prospectors left the area broke (or nearly so). Those that made out the best - financially - were merchants in the towns that sprung up who sold prospecting equipment and supplies and, unsurprisingly, prostitutes.
Prospectors Making Their Way Over the Chilkoot Pass
(Image Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Public Domain.)The coin's commemorative reverse was created by freelance artist John Mantha. It presents two prospectors searching for gold. One scans for a potential "next" site (background), while the second pans for gold at their present location (foreground). The pair's gear and supplies are seen loaded onto a pack mule that looks on; the prospectors' simple tent stands ready to offer minor protection from the elements (both mid-ground).
The Royal Canadian Mint (R C M) launched its "Exploring Canada" series in 2014. The series includes ten 0.9999 fine silver $15 coins, 36.07 mm in diameter with a weight of 23.17 grams - the same planchet specifications as those of the Mint's silver dollar (SD) commemorative series. The collection was intended as a showcase for Canadian exploration and history, and included six coin releases in 2014 and four in 2015. The coins were available individually and via subscription; the subscription included a custom-printed display box with spots for all ten coins.
The matte proof coin was issued at $54.95 CAD; it had a maximum stated mintage of 15,000. Per Mint Reports for 2014 and 2015, the "Gold Rush" coin sold 6,007 and 1,994 units, respectively, for a total of 8,001 coins.
2014 Exploring Canada - Gold Rush Silver $15
With this coin, I think my pursuit of the "Exploring Canada" series has come to an end. I might engage in the series again at some point in the future, but I think I've acquired each of the coins that share an honest joint history with the US.
For other of my posts about Canadian commemorative coins and medals (plus those of the US and other countries!), see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 05/22/2025 08:36 am
