2008 Canadian $15 Vignettes of Royalty: Queen Victoria Sterling Silver $15 Coin

2008 Canadian $15 Vignettes of Royalty: Queen Victoria Sterling Silver $15 Coin - outside box damaged

This series begins with Britain's longest reigning monarch; the woman who was the inspiration behind Britain's Victorian Era of rapid industrialization, tremendous accumulation of national wealth and imperialism. Although coins with Queen Victoria's effigy were issued for the Province of Canada in 1858 and 1859, this crowned portrait appeared on the 1-, 25- and 50-cent coins that were issued between 1870 and 1901.

The art form once reserved for wealthy aristocrats can now be enjoyed with this remarkable coin series featuring the effigies of five monarchs that have appeared on Canada's circulation coins. Each effigy is struck in ultra high relief reminiscent of ancient medallic art. Canada did not always produce its coins domestically.

Until the Royal Canadian Mint opened in 1908, Canadian coins were imported from overseas. Even then, the designs and tools remained the domain of the Royal Mint in London while the Canadian facility operated as its Ottawa branch. This began to change in 1930 when the Mint became a wholly owned Canadian institution.

Specifications

Face Value: $15
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 30
Diameter (mm): 36.15
Finish: Frosted relief on a proof-like field