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 Replies: 8 / Views: 2,289 |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12251 Posts |
When the $3 silver "Life in the North" coin was released, I didn't plan on adding it to my collection. I became a bit more interested when I understood its connection to the 2013 Canadian Arctic Expedition commemorative silver dollar. When the RCM released the Arctic Expedition 25-cent 12-packs with the designs of the two silver coins presented on circulation quarters, I decided to take the plunge. I'm glad I did. Though the coin is relatively small at 27mm, its design is detailed and comes into its own with minor magnification (I used a 5X loupe). I continue to be impressed with the "multiple finish" approach the RCM is using for some of its non-coloured/non-bedazzled coins - the technique certainly adds depth to the coin's design. The finish used for the coin's fields is described as "matte proof," its satiny appearance reminds me of the RCM's specimen finish but without the lines. I think it makes for a nice "collector" version of the circulation coin. I liked the War of 1812 silver coins that paralleled the circulation pieces as well, and would be an interested collector if the RCM continued to issue such commemorative "sets" going forward.  Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Valued Member
Canada
173 Posts |
I really enjoyed reading about the symbols portrayed on the whale and the aritist's initial in inuit!
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
6767 Posts |
I really like the coin, except this, try to get some most attractive (for my taste) coins with indigenous art.
But need to say, IMO, the Mint missed some opportunities here...
The coin too small. And also they issued circulation quarter with same (i think) size and even with PL finish.
So I do not feel that the collector's $3 is really superior, when comparing both.
Wish the $3 silver "Life in the North" coin was issued in 1/2oz (34mm) format in Silver Dollar format (like "Traditions of Hunting")
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12251 Posts |
@Silveroid: I understand your thinking. We all need to collect what we enjoy.
Just to clear a couple of things up...
The silver $3 coin is larger than the circulation 25-cent pieces by about 13%. That may not sound like much, but when placed side-by-side, the difference in size is very noticeable. More of the coin's details are readily visible on the silver coin vs. the base metal circulation piece.
Also, the finish on the collector coin is very different from the "frosted" coin released for circulation. Again, a side-by-side comparison will make the differences very apparent.
Hopefully, folks will get a chance to see the coins together so that they can see how different pieces of a similar design can be from each other.
I continue to believe the silver version of the piece is the nicest execution of the design.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Valued Member
Canada
234 Posts |
probably one of my favourite coins in 2013
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2408 Posts |
Thank you commems for your quality posting. The coin is indeed very interesting and as you mention, the satiny appearance and the different tint of frost adds to the coin's visual appeal. From a distance.
For me, looking at it more closely, today's NCLTs are way too grainy and of far lesser strike quality than pre-2007 coins. I've definitely lost interest.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12251 Posts |
@canadian_coins: Thanks for positive feedback. I agree with your observations re: recent proof NCLT coins. Your images illustrating the degradation have been excellent tutorials on the subject. It's too bad you have lost interest - I will miss your outstanding images of your new coin acquisitions. I still maintain an interest in collecting Canada's true commemorative NCLT coins (i.e., those marking historical events), but have no interest is most of the RCM's other topical/themed "coins." Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2408 Posts |
I still have my lunar coin subscriptions... And will continue to purchase the annual proof set. Those are the only coin series have I been able to keep up with since 1971.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2124 Posts |
commems: I really appreciate your post. It's very unlikely to read that kind of comments in the NCLT section.
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Replies: 8 / Views: 2,289 |
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Posted 01/01/2014 11:25 am
