This 2014 $5 pure silver coin is part of the Royal Canadian Mint series based on historical Canadian bank notes.  Until the late 1930s, most banknotes circulating in Canada in denominations of $5 and higher were issued by the chartered banks, and this was the primary paper money of Canada.  As these banknotes essentially provided the banks with an interest free loan and source of funding, they actively competed to get their notes into circulation, often by including beautiful artwork and interesting vignettes.  Mintage is limited to just 8,500 pieces.  HST/GST exempt.

The Deisgn:

The design on this coin is an engraved reproduction of the “Lion on the Mountain” vignette which appeared on the $50 note issued by the Northern Crown Bank in 1908 and 1914.  The Northern Crown Bank was based in Manitoba, and had 111 branches when it was bought out by the Royal Bank in 1918. 

The word “Canada”, the date “2014” is located below the lion, and the denomination “5 dollars” is within the scrollwork above the lion’s head. The coin is double struck with the Royal Canadian Mint’s highest quality proof finish of .9999 fine silver. The coin has a diameter of 36 mm and a weight of 23 grams (about ¾ ounce).