Thoughts On Older Proof Dollar Designs

Two designs that really miss the mark for me are both Edmonton designs, 1978 and 1983, somehow I find them very boring. Which is sad as I spent 35 yrs in Edmonton.

My top 3 favorites are 2008 special edition, with the flying birds, then the 2007 enamel, and finally the gilded 2012 dollar.

I really like how they did the 1974 Winnipeg dollar, showing in detail the changes in 100 yrs. Its a great series, one that I enjoy collecting. I have several of my favorite designs. Its like an addiction, however, I never developed an appreciation for the bu variety. As I find it hard to make out the images. I still have several I am hunting for.

Funny you mention the J and M page - I was looking at that as I was composing this post. And agreed, the 2001 and 2011 designs are ones that I really like. Hopefully I attend an auction in the next year or three where I'll be able to pick one up at a great price. Alternately, I may have to pay going $$$ to add to my humble collection.

Silver Don - it sure does - didn't really take a close look at it before on the J and M page. Up close it certainly does have a lot of detail and is a nice design.

@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.