This 2013 low mintage special issue proof silver dollar coin commemorates the 250th anniversary of the end of the Seven Years War, a war which had a major lasting impact on the development of pre-confederation Canada. Most importantly, battles fought in Canada led by Generals Wolfe and Montcalm ultimately led to Canada becoming a British Colony. The coin is double struck in pure silver with a frosted cameo finish and near flawless surfaces. Mintage is limited to just 10,000 pieces. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
This coin was designed by Canadian artist Tony Bianco and features a montage of the peoples involved in—and affected by—the Seven Years War. The design represents the British and French soldiers, the First Nations people, and the colonists; and also features a child to symbolize hope for the future. The group gazes east, across the Atlantic Ocean towards the Old World. The map in the background shows the North American battlefront region, and the banners and embellishments at the top and bottom of the coin echo the typographical styles of 17th- and 18th-century maps and official documents.
The Seven Years War:
The conflict which played out in Canada primarily between the British and the French was part of a much larger conflict. The Seven Years War is widely regarded as the first global war, involving Britain, Prussia and Hanover against France, Austria, Sweden, Saxony, Russia and eventually Spain, with fighting taking place in Europe, on the high seas, and in North America. Britain’s objectives are believed to have been to destroy the French navy and merchant fleet, seize its colonies, and eliminate France as a commercial rival. While France found itself primarily fighting in Europe to defend Austria, the British used this opportunity to attack the French Colonies in Canada.
