Canadian Coin Terminology

Since 1997 all coins except for the 1 cent and the Loon dollar in Canadian proof sets are minted in 92.5% Sterling Silver. It is the only set that includes the Commemorative proof silver dollar as well as the aureate dollar. The proof set features mirrored fields with frosted designs. The Specimen set uses base metal coins with the fields being frosted instead.

2002 proof


2002 Specimen

Are specimen and PL just forms of UNC but not proof?

Are there any price differences between a PL coin and Speciman coin? I don't see separate listings in the Charlton. Wouldn't specimans grade higher than PL?

This is kinda confusing to me Canada has 3 different set. The US just has mint sets and proof sets. I'm not sure if there would be a market for a speciman set in the US. I guess I am not sure why there is a need for both a PL and Speciman set if they are going to both be of higher quality.

I must say collecting Canadian coins is quite challenging. There are so many varieties and sets and certain coins are only available within a certain set but not another.

Something I have noticed with Canadian coins is that there are so many circulating commemoratives. In the US we never had circulation Olympic coins or special anniversary coins with double dates like the twonie.

I guess what I meant to say was the US doesn't do coins with double dates to commemorate an anniversary for a specific coin issue, example would be a 10th anniversary like the twonie dated 1996-2006. We don't have double dated quarters 1932-1942 for the 10th anniversary of the Washington quarter. Kinda see where I am going with this?

Another difference with the Jefferson nickels and State Quarters is the fact the regular issue of those coins ceased instead of being produced alongside the commemoratives. Whereas in Canada, the Caribou quarters shows up in mint sets but not in circulation.