Since 1971, the highest quality coins of the year have been presented for collectors by the Royal Canadian Mint in an annual presentation bound in a leather case. In recent years, the most exclusive sets have included all coins struck in pure silver, with selective gold highlighting the most important coins. This 2018 Special Limited Edition proof set presents the highest quality coins of each denomination issued in pure silver, plus a special issue commemorative silver dollar. Denominations include the 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, 50 cent, loon style dollar, commemorative silver dollar and 2 dollar coins. The three highest denomination coins are further enhanced with a selective overlay of 24 karat gold. Since all of the coins in this set are pure silver and struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt. Mintage is limited to just 15,000.
The Proof Dollar Design:
Canada’s history is rife with tales of explorers, and the seafaring Captain James Cook (1728-1779) is one of the most storied of all. From the Bering Strait to the Antarctic Circle, and many of the Pacific isles in between, the British navigator charted more terra incognita than any other in his time. This special issue dollar coin shows an artistic rendering by Maritime artist John Horton of Captain James Cook’s arrival at Nootka Sound (west coast of Vancouver Island) in April 1778. Towering mountains and the timbered headland of Bligh Island provide a stunning backdrop to this historical portrait, all precisely engraved in a superb proof finish and framed by a nautical twisted rope. Viewed in three-quarter profile, a stern-looking Cook keeps a watchful eye on his ship and crew while holding a telescope in one hand, his Admiralty orders in the other. Behind his left shoulder is HMS Discovery, which is moored a short distance away from HMS Resolution, whose crew is unrigging the ship and removing masts and spars in preparation for repairs. In the water, a group of Nuu-chah-nulth approach the Resolution in a canoe, ready to extend a friendly greeting. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
