For over a century, our coins have told the story of Canada through images that are the enduring legacy of our artists, innovators and visionaries. Many have drawn attention to Canada’s wildlife and landmarks. Others have preserved the nation’s triumphs and milestones in designs that became instant classics—like Canada’s third commemorative coin, the 1949 Newfoundland dollar. Widely considered to be one of Canada’s most beautiful commemorative pieces, the 1949 silver dollar is re-imagined here as a brilliant uncirculated fine silver piedfort coin with a limited mintage of just 6,000 pieces.  GST/HST exempt.

The Design: 

This 70th anniversary tribute is twice as thick and every bit as detailed as the original. On its reverse, the detailed rendering of John Cabot’s ship was originally engraved by one of the most illustrious figures in our history: Thomas Shingles, Master Engraver of the Royal Canadian Mint (1943-1965). 

This 70th anniversary tribute continues to celebrate Newfoundland’s entry into Canadian Confederation on March 31, 1949. The deisign features explorer John Cabot’s ship the Matthew which is believed to have reached the coast of Newfoundland in 1497. The image of the three-masted whip under full sail was based on a model and taken from a photograph provided by Ernest Maunder of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Beneath the water lies the Latin inscription “FLOREAT TERRA NOVA”—“May the new land flourish”. The obverse features the effigy of King George VI by T. H. Paget.