1999 Royal Canadian Mint Sterling Silver November 'Health' Quarter
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-purity precious metal coins and innovative numismatic techniques.
Pattern: Millennium Quarters Collection, 'November - Health' pattern. Introduced in 1999 as part of a 12-month series.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is renowned for its high-purity precious metal coins and innovative numismatic techniques.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with .075 copper. This is the 'Proof' version for collectors, unlike the standard circulation cupro-nickel versions.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.88 mm. Weight: 5.90 grams (Sterling Silver version). Thickness: 1.58 mm.
Description
An elegant example of the Royal Canadian Mint's Millennium series, the November 'Health' quarter features a poignant design by artist Maria H. Sarkany. It captures the essence of human connection and medical progress through its depiction of a family and DNA structure. In sterling silver, the piece exhibits much higher luster and detail than its base-metal counterparts found in circulation.
Key Features
Distinguished from circulation quarters by its polished proof field and silver content. Look for the 'November' and 'Health' textual indicators on the reverse.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with .075 copper. This is the 'Proof' version for collectors, unlike the standard circulation cupro-nickel versions.
Finish & Decoration
Proof finish featuring frosted relief against a mirror-like (specular) background. Decoration features a stylized design of a family and double helix, symbolizing health and heritage.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'CANADA' and '1999' on the reverse; 'ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA' on the obverse. Specific to the silver version, it is typically sold in a COA-backed set identifying the .925 fineness.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck on a specially prepared polished planchet (blank). Edge is reeded. This was a machine-manufactured piece using high-pressure numismatic presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for security; legal tender status in Canada with a face value of 25 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Circular coin form).
Craftsmanship Details
Expertly struck with high-relief details. The transition between the frosted devices and the mirrored field is sharp, indicating high-quality proof dies.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the '1999' and 'CANADA' legends, the specific frosting on the relief, and the reeded edge are consistent with RCM proof products. Silver versions are noticeably heavier than copper-nickel versions (5.9g vs 5.05g).
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa, Canada; manufactured at the Royal Canadian Mint headquarters.
Era & Period
Modern Numismatic Period (Late 20th Century). Specifically designed to celebrate the transition to the new millennium.
Age Estimate
Dated 1999.
Cultural Significance
A representative of Canada's millennium celebrations, reflecting national values such as health, diversity, and peace through small-scale public art.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'About Uncirculated' to 'Proof' condition. Visible light surface scratches (hairlines) suggest it has been handled without gloves or kept outside its protective capsule. Tarnish is minimal. Grade: Very Good (as a collectible).
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD. Value is driven by silver melt price and numismatic demand for the 12-coin sterling silver set. Individual loose coins command less than those in original mint packaging.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives. To preserve numismatic value, store in an airtight PVC-free plastic capsule. Use cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing 'fingerprint' tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1999 Cupro-nickel November Quarter (non-precious); 1999 Gold 25-Cent November Quarter (higher value); other months from the 1999 Millennium series (e.g., January-Pride, July-Community).
Interesting Facts
The 1999 series was the first time Canadian citizens were invited to submit designs for the coinage of an entire year. Over 33,000 designs were submitted for the Millennium program.