Just got my shipment of coins from the Canadian Mint and I have to say that the special edition 2011 Silver Dollar (proof, anniversary edition) with King George on the front, as well as the Manitoba Great Gray Owl dollar (in a specimen set only) are absolutely beautiful coins, and the Baby Elk 2 Dollar (in a specimen set only) is quite nice as well.
Come on Kasia, you can't tell us how beautiful they are and not show us some "glamour shots". (Thanks gbroke, I couldn't have said better myself). Bruce
I took some glamour shots, but most turned out to be quite unglamorous (bad lighting, reflections, not showing all the details, etc.). I'm still working on a couple but think they won't show well. So here are some from the web, since they are mass-produced and mine look just like them. Only in hand they look soooooooooooooooooooooo much better!
If yours look like that Kasia (or better) then they are beautiful. Congrats on some great pickups! Thanks for posting. Bruce
Now that's what I'm talking about. I have some Canadian coins like this. I understand that they are called specimens. Is that correct?
Canadian Mishipishu coin pictures here too Yes, they are called specimens. They are only available in the sets, and none are released separately into circulation. Also, I got the mythical lynx coin they have, just 'cause I liked it (my pictures provided)
Those are nice. If you like animals then Canada has the coins for you. Besides the dime and penny I think every coin has an animal on it.
some of the "coins" issued by the canadian and australian mint over the past 2-3 years have bordered on junk, why oh why do mints feel the need to flood the market with these "coins" is beyond belief.
I agree, and in fact, my logical brain says my Mishepishu coin is smack dab in that category. But I got one anyways, because I did like the concept on this coin. I would have much preferred a normal strike to depict it, if done well, and I have no plans to get any of the other coins I see as pure marketing devices. Oh Well. They are trying to expand their 'business' and make money (in more than the normal sense of the word with mints), and since there is a market for these (like most Franklin Mints plates, etc.) why not let them join in? Thanks for your thoughts, too!
but by expanding their product produces a lot of garbage...............what on earth ever happened to mints producing circulation coins instead of churning out crap like this...............................
I actually think that King George dollar is a very cool piece. That coin has an interesting history and the originals are extremely rare with only a couple known examples. Coin world had an article on it in the August issue. I wished they made an uncirculated version that would be more like the original and I'd be buying in a heartbeat. Our U.S. mint should take the hint and do something like that.
