This is a complete set of Proof-like quality Canadian coins that is 49 years old, presented in a mahogany finish case. All 6 coin denominations issued in 1964 are included (Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar and the Silver Dollar). Proof-like coins are the highest quality of coin produced for collectors by the Royal Canadian Mint in this year. By using specially prepared dies, additional striking pressure and slow moving coining presses, the Mint was able to produce virtually flawless coins with a mirror-like finish.
One of the highlights of this set is the special commemorative silver dollar marking the 100th anniversary of the meetings in 1864 held at Charlottetown, PEI and at Quebec City. It was these meetings that resulted in the formation of Canada as a country in 1867. The design on the coin depicts emblems of four of the countrys founding ethnic groups - French, Irish, Scottish and English. (French fleur-de-lis, Irish shamrock, Scottish thistle and English rose.)
The coins in this 1964 set are some of the last coins to feature the original "young portrait" of Queen Elizabeth. A young portrait of the Queen was used on all of the coins from the beginning of the Queens reign in 1953 until 1964. Starting in 1965, a more mature effigy of the Queen replaced the young portrait.
The half dollar is also a beautiful coin, featuring an intricate modified coat-of-arms design introduced in 1959. This old silver half dollar is significantly larger than the current 50 cent coins, and extremely appealing to most collectors. The fronts of the penny, nickel, dime and quarter are the familiar designs still used today, but the backs of all the coins bear the original young portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
The silver dollar, half dollar, quarter and dime are all struck in .800 fine silver. Many silver coins were melted down for their bullion value from the late 1960s to the early 1980s when silver approached $50 per ounce, so the number of coins available for collectors today is significantly reduced.
