The 2017 Silver Dollar Releases, Plenty Of Bucks!

For the SD collectors, there are 6 of them (coins) right now.

From my side I see the variations of 3, smart way included in different sets (or standalone).

And connected through its 36mm size, as if by chance a casual observer might otherwise fail to notice the 2017 occasion, this silver medal, the official 150 Anniversary logo (also appearing on the 50c). None the less, I think it makes a befitting addition to any SD collection.





This 36 mm medal marks the 2017 celebration of Canada's 150th Anniversary of Confederation. The reverse design features a large "150" encircled by 13 maple leaves, one for each province and territory. The medal is double dated 1867 - 2017, and includes a subtle image in the background of Canada's parliament buildings with a bold inscription "CANADA".

The obverse features the official Canada 150 logo designed by Ariana Cuvin. Four diamond shapes connected to the stem symbolize the original provinces of Confederation (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), while the nine additional shapes represent the provinces and territories that followed. Combined, they form Canada's iconic maple leaf that has become a symbol of national pride, unity, freedom and peace. Around the logo the inscribed motto reads "Strong, Proud, Free".
Source: Canadian Coins and Currency

I have to admit that I was expecting to spend a fair bit this year between my silver dollar and loon addictions but I'm hoping they don't have to many more planned.
I do have a bad feeling they may still release another 2017 set with a pure gold $20 coin.
Lol
After all ....why not?:(

I'm okay with some commissioned coins but medals from private non RCM producers just don't fit in this sort of discussion

In your opinion, perhaps. If you examine the history of numismatics, however, you will find that some of the most beautiful pieces ever produced by the mints of the world have been medals. They offer much more artistic freedom and have enabled artists to create some truly amazing pieces. Many have also become quite valuable - many medals sell for five and six figures when they come onto the market.



If the OP wants to add a little something different to enhance the conversation here, why not? I find mention of a medal that complements a collection of 150th anniversary coins much more appealing than another comment about how the RCM is making too many coins, charging too much for them, ignoring quality control, being run by incompetents, ruining the hobby, etc.


I know most collectors look down on medals, but the distinction between medals and modern NCLT has blurred. I've said multiple times here on CCF, when you actually stop to think about it, today's NCLT has much more in common with medals than with coins. For example:

1) Coins from a mint generally make their way to the public via banks and/or commercial distribution channels; NCLT is generally initially purchased directly from the mint that produces it or one of its official dealer/distributors (just as medals are purchased from their mints or their sponsors).

2) NCLT, regardless of the symbolic denomination stamped on them, generally can't be used in typical transactions to make purchases (i.e., it isn't typically used as money), just as medals carry no face value and aren't generally used to make purchases.

3) The initial selling price of almost all NCLT is much higher than the denomination stamped on it; the intrinsic value of NCLT pieces is almost always higher than the denomination. In such cases, the denomination becomes meaningless - at the time of its release into circulation, the denomination of a coin is very meaningful as it determines the coin's purchasing power.

4) Many NCLT pieces would be completely impractical as coins considering the stuff that is glued onto them, embedded into them, protrudes from their surfaces or otherwise embellishes them, Such artistic freedoms have been the purview of medals for many years - NCLT is just now adopting these techniques and having a symbolic denomination added.

Just food for thought...

Wildflower -
Absolutely no issue with what you or any others choose to put in their collection...
My point was directly focused on SDs produced by the RCM -
Not a fan of medals produced by private mints.
Much how some folks feel about commissioned RCM coins.

Commems - yes...some medals are highly sought, high in value, room for creativity etc...
BUT - as you point out, the symbolic factor is HUGE for NCLTs.
No getting around that key appeal in collecting a coin stamped by a nation's agency...with denominations, queen liz and the word Canada somewhere.
Its why despite the all the crazy creative stuff seen on RCM coins of late...be it glass, paint, and now recently a gate...even with the odd shape designs...RCM finds a creative way to get that symbolic factor on that coin.
It just has to be there otherwise the symbolism is missing.

Its a good discussion.
Much like there is something about commissioned coins that feels compromised for some collectors.
As for medals per se...IMO - medals fall into the category of medals - since they are lacking the significant symbols that place NCLTs in their own category....especially when produced by private company.
CC highlights the difference quite aptly.

Yes of course to each there own but....just because some cats are the size of some dogs, it doesn't make them dogs or eligible to be enter in a dog show.

For the record, those medals do look pretty nice in Bromberg's videos on the TSC website.

On the red 150 coins, there are very few actual pics (even on ebay) of the enamelled coin but I don't think there is any question that it's enamelled given that is in the specs of the coin per the RCM. Why would we think it's not enamelled?

Or is the question whether or not the SD set red 150 is actually enamelled and not painted?

I have that coin and it looks like paint to me. The RCM doesn't say it's enameled and most dealers don't either; though some do. I think that is a listing error on their part. For example:

https://www.colonialacres.com/produ...amel.150.htm

Like you commems I ordered the H&NL SD early from the Mint but unfortunately, it's been my experience that doesn't mean much. It seems like the earlier I order, the farther back in the queue I am.