1960 Canadian 'Voyageur' Silver Dollar
Coin / Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908 in Ottawa. As the official national mint, it is world-renowned for high-quality production standards and silver purity.
Pattern: Voyageur Series; Reverse design by Emanuel Hahn featuring a voyageur and an Indigenous person paddling a birchbark canoe. First introduced in 1935.
Type
Coin / Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908 in Ottawa. As the official national mint, it is world-renowned for high-quality production standards and silver purity.
Material
80% Silver (Sterling is .925; this is .800) and 20% Copper. Total weight is approximately 23.33 grams, with 0.600 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 36 mm; Thickness: 2.84 mm; Total Weight: 23.33 grams (0.75 troy ounces total weight).
Description
Representative of Canada's wilderness heritage, the 1960 Voyageur Dollar is a classic example of Canadian numismatic art. The design pays homage to the early fur trade era, showing a canoe laden with bundles marked 'HB' (Hudson's Bay Company), symbolizing the foundation of the nation's economy.
Key Features
Hahn's iconic voyageur design, Aurora Borealis background, islet with pine trees, and the '1960' date stamp.
Material & Composition
80% Silver (Sterling is .925; this is .800) and 20% Copper. Total weight is approximately 23.33 grams, with 0.600 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish. Features high relief reverse design with vertical lines representing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and an islet with two wind-swept pines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'CANADA' and 'DOLLAR' with the date '1960' on the reverse. The obverse (not pictured) would feature the laureated bust of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick.
Construction Details
Industrial minting process: die-struck from planchets (blanks) using heavy-tonnage presses. Features a reeded edge to prevent clipping and debasement.
Functional Features
Monetary legal tender with a face value of one Canadian Dollar. Features a reeded edge and raised rims for stackability and protection of the design.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage). Edge is reeded (milled) for identification and security.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-striking. Note the fine detail in the pine needles and the ripples in the water, which exhibit the technical skill of the Royal Canadian Mint's engravers.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth, consistent metal color for 80% silver, specific die characteristics like the 'water lines' around the canoe, and authentic patina.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint. The RCM has a long tradition of producing high-relief artistic coinage.
Era & Period
Elizabeth II Era (Mid-20th Century). Produced during the period when Canada still used silver for general circulation coinage (ended in 1968).
Age Estimate
Dated 1960. Produced between late 1959 and 1960.
Cultural Significance
The Voyageur dollar is considered one of the most beautiful and culturally significant coins in Canadian history, representing the exploration and the partnership between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
Condition Notes
About Uncirculated (AU) to Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) potential. Light surface tarnish (patina) is visible around the lettering. Minor bag marks/contact marks near the date and in the field. Grade: Very Good to Excellent.
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD depending on spot silver prices and specific grade. High-grade specimens (MS-64 or higher) can command higher premiums.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free plastic flips, capsules, or acid-free paper envelopes. Handle only by the edges.
Similar Pieces
1935 Jubilee Silver Dollar (first of the series), 1958 British Columbia Centennial 'Totem' Dollar, and the 1964 Charlottetown/Quebec City Centennial Dollar.
Interesting Facts
The bundles in the canoe are often thought to represent the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). This design was the first Canadian coin designed by a Canadian (Emanuel Hahn).