Canada's first commemorative coin was the 1935 silver dollar that was struck to mark the Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) of King George V's accession to the throne. The coin was struck to circulate in Canada, as were all of the country's early commemorative pieces. Other circulating silver dollar commemoratives were struck in 1939 (Royal Visit), 1949 (Newfoundland's Entry into the Confederation), 1958 (100th Anniversary of British Columbia as Crown Colony), 1964 (Confederation Meetings) and 1967 (Centennial of Confederation).
Canada's first non-dollar commemorative coin was the 1951 five cent piece to mark the 200th anniversary of the isolation and naming of nickel. The low denomination coin was selected for the commemorative as it was the only Canadian coin being struck in nickel at the time (the other coins were either primarily silver or copper).
When Canada's first non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) coin was issued could be a matter of interpretation. For example, from the time Canada's first coins were struck by
The Royal Mint in London, special versions of the country's circulating coins were struck (typically with a finish known as "Specimen") for collectors and VIPs. As these coins were meant to be saved by collectors rather than be spent as "money", it could be argued that these early coins were Canada's first NCLTs. Throughout its history, the
Royal Canadian Mint (
RCM) has struck "Collector Sets" of its circulating coins. While the coins in these sets can be spent, that has not been their intended purpose.
Most would agree, however, that the NCLT era for Canada began with the issue of the 1971 commemorative silver dollar marking the 100th anniversary of British Columbia's entry into the Confederation. This silver dollar had no circulating counterpart (Canada had switched to nickel dollars for circulation in 1968) and was sold at a premium ($3.00) -- Canada has issued at least one NCLT commemorative silver dollar every year since 1971. Today, the
RCM produces NCLT coins in a large number of denominations and in a variety of precious and base metals.
Hope that helps!
Posted 08/02/2012 08:19 am
