The Royal Canadian Mint has used enamel to enhance a number of its coins over the years, encompassing multiple denominations and themes. My favorite, however, is the 2007 Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) commemorative silver dollar (SD). Its use of multiple translucent colours, to my eyes, produced a winning enhancement to an already strong and detailed design.
Thayendanegea (meaning "two sticks bound together for strength") was born circa 1842 near present-day Akron, OH. He is much more closely associated Canada than the US, however, and sided with the British against the US during the American Revolution. He was also a strong advocate for the rights of First Nations people and their territorial sovereignty. The details of his life merit much more of a discussion that I can summarize here. I suggest those with an interest in learning more about the inspirational leader, unifier and war chief, check out his entry in the
Canadian Encyclopedia.
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Canadian Encyclopedia: Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea) - Quite a life!
The 2007 Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) commemorative SD was available in "plain" silver (Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated), in a selectively gold-plated version (as part of a Special Edition Proof Set) and in athr enameled version discussed here. The release price of the enameled coin was $129.95 (CAD), a 30% jump over the previous year's coin.
The proof coin was struck on a 92.5% fine silver (sterling silver) planchet with the 7.5% balance being copper. It is 36.07 mm in diameter and has a weight of 25.175 grams plus a minor amount for the added enamel. The coin's commemorative reverse design was based on artwork from Laurie McGaw; her "LM" initials are found just above Brant's left shoulder.
The maximum mintage for the coin was 7,500 (a 50% increase from the previous enameled issues) but sales amounted to just under 5,200.
Whether it was the subject matter commemorated or the price increases imposed on all versions of the coin, sales for the issue across all options failed to meet expectations. The enameled version never experienced any significant price appreciation on the secondary market, and can often be purchased today in the range of $100 to $125 .
2007 Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) Silver Dollar
For other of my posts about Canadian commemorative coins and medals (plus other pieces from the US and around the World) check out:
Commems Collection.
Posted 12/20/2021 8:47 pm
