Canadian Confederation Centennial Coat of Arms Silver Dollar
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint, the official mint of Canada, established in 1908 in Ottawa. It is globally recognized for high-purity precious metal refining and exceptional coinage standards.
Pattern: Confederation Centennial Series (1867-1967), featuring the Alex Colville wildlife designs on the reverse and the Coat of Arms on the commemorative dollar.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint, the official mint of Canada, established in 1908 in Ottawa. It is globally recognized for high-purity precious metal refining and exceptional coinage standards.
Material
80% Silver (.800 fine silver) and 20% Copper. This was the final year of high-silver content circulation-standard dollars in Canada.
Dimensions
32.13 mm in diameter, 2.62 mm thick, weighing 23.33 grams (total weight) with approx. 0.60 troy ounces of pure silver.
Description
This 1967 silver dollar is a hallmark of Canadian numismatic history. Unlike the standard 1967 dollar which often features the 'Goose' reverse, this version showcases the regal Coat of Arms. The piece displays a heavy, original 'cabinet friction' or environmental toning, giving it a distinct golden-bronze hue over the underlying silver. It represents the end of an era, as Canada transitioned away from silver coinage shortly thereafter.
Key Features
The centralized Shield of Canada, the word 'CANADA' in a serif font, and the high-relief St. Edward's Crown. The specific 80% silver alloy is a diagnostic trait for this year.
Material & Composition
80% Silver (.800 fine silver) and 20% Copper. This was the final year of high-silver content circulation-standard dollars in Canada.
Finish & Decoration
The reverse features the Canadian Coat of Arms (Shield of Canada) topped by the St. Edward's Crown. The coin exhibits a satin-to-circulated finish with natural golden-brown toning (patina) across the field. Decorative elements include the maple leaf branch, the fleurs-de-lis, the Irish harp, and the Scottish and English lions within the shield.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin is marked with 'CANADA' on the reverse. The obverse (not visible but implied) would feature the Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the date 1867-1967. There are no silversmith hallmarks as this is government-issued legal tender.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure dies at the Ottawa Mint. The edge is reeded (milled) to prevent clipping and debasing.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for security; commemorative legal tender value of One Dollar. The raised rim protects the design from excessive surface wear.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; This is a numismatic coin intended for palm-handling or storage in a capsule.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision mechanical striking. The fine detail in the quarters of the shield demonstrates the Mint's ability to achieve high fidelity in a relatively hard 80/20 alloy.
Authentication Indicators
The die-struck precision of the shield icons (lions, harp, leaves) is consistent with Royal Canadian Mint quality. The diameter and rim thickness appear correct relative to the hand size in the image.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa, Canada. Manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint using industrial minting presses.
Era & Period
Modern Commemorative Era (1967). Specifically issued to mark the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1967. Approximately 57 years old.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of Canadian sovereignty and national pride, minted during the massive centennial celebration that included Expo 67 in Montreal.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine (Circulated). The image shows significant surface patina (toning), minor contact marks, and light wear on the high points of the crown and shield. There is visible 'fingerprint' toning on the rim, suggesting historical handling without gloves.
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD based on current silver melt value and numismatic premium for a circulated example. High-grade 'Specimen' or 'Proof-like' examples can command significantly more.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver cream, as this destroys 'numismatic' value. Store in an archival-safe (PVC-free) flip or original RCM case. Use cotton gloves if handling to prevent skin oils from causing further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1966 Canadian Silver Dollar (Voyageur design), 1967 Goose Dollar, and the subsequent 1968 Nickel Dollar which contains no silver.
Interesting Facts
1967 was the only year Canada used a set of wildlife designs across all denominations (cent to dollar) for the Centennial. The silver dollar is the largest of these and highly sought after in higher grades.