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They were specially chosen for Canada's circulation coins in 1927, to commemorate Confederation's Diamond Jubilee; alas, the stunning designs never made it onto a single coin. Instead, "the coins that never were" quietly faded into the background, becoming part of coin lore and a footnote in history... that is, until now.
Nearly a century later, we've dug deep into our vault to retrieve these long forgotten coin designs and bring them to life! This three-coin set is more than a link to Canada's past, or a powerful tribute to the illustrious artists — it's our way of taking up their mantle and seeing their vision through.
Working with the original sketches and little else, we set out to interpret the 90-year-old designs. And by treating them as though they were entrusted to us today, we've transformed these designs into a powerful bridge between past and present.
A beautiful gift for someone who enjoys coin design history! Order today!
All three coins feature the unused circulation coin designs intended to commemorate Canada's Diamond Jubilee in 1927. Working with the original sketches (and little else), the Royal Canadian Mint's engravers set out to interpret each artist's vision as though the art had been entrusted to them today, to mark Confederation's 150th anniversary. The 90-year-old concepts have been painstakingly adapted for modern engraving techniques—including a reverse proof finish that allows the more brilliant engraved elements to shine bright against the matte backdrop.
The one-cent coin features an Art Nouveau-inspired design by Canadian artist Gustav Hahn (1866-1962), with a bough of maple leaves encircling the commemorative dates "1867-2017".
The five-cent coin by Canadian artist J.E.H. MacDonald (1873-1932) features a crowned lion gripping a maple leaf as it stands perched on a rock, which represents the changing Canadian landscape cradled by the sea; beneath the forepaw is Canada's motto, "A MARI USQUE AD MARE" ("From Sea to Sea"), while the commemorative dates "1867" and "2017" are inscribed beside the lion.
A second design by MacDonald graces the reverse of the 25-cent coin, and centres on a soaring view of the iconic Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. The clock tower soars high above the clouds and is surrounded by a ribbon-wrapped laurel of leaves, from which hangs four bells—an ode to the Dominion Carillon, which was inaugurated on July 1, 1927, during the Diamond Jubilee festivities. Each bell bears engraved numbers that combine to form the commemorative dates "2017" and "1867".
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a black beauty box.
Order today!
Category: Numismatic, RCM, Royal Canadian Mint, Silver