The American-British War of 1812 significantly impacted both sides of the border and Canada’s history and identity. To mark the War of 1812’s anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to create a memorable gold coin. They are the Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins.
The coins are a unique subject for commemoration. Still, the Royal Canadian Mint found it an appropriate enough topic to devote their one-quarter ounce gold bullion coin to remembering the 200-year bicentennial in 2012.
Coins, which come in sheets of 20 or single pieces, are among the purest gold issues ever made. The fine gold quality is .9999. The Royal Canadian Mint guarantees these coins’ impressive purity and weight.
This article will discuss the background, significance, and design of the Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins. Also, you will learn about its place in numismatic and Canadian history.
History of Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins
The “take two” on American independence from Great Britain and its vast Empire was a frequent reference to the War of 1812. It was an unusual recreation of the Revolutionary War. The British Empire oddly won all the land and naval engagements, while still losing the War.
The War began as a protest against what the United States saw as British navy violations. This led to the development of national sovereignty. Also, it marked the first time the United States formally declared War on another nation.
The Royal Canadian Mint then produced a spectacular gold coin to honour the War of 1812’s anniversary. The production of all Canadian War of 1812 gold coins, proof or uncirculated, was in small numbers. Only until January 2013, the coins were produced. The extremely limited-proof series produced only 2,000 distinct coins.
Only 115,999 pieces of brilliant uncirculated variants of these Coins were created. So, both forms have potential as investments in precious metals and are desirable to collectors.
Physical Features of The Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins
Design of the Coin
The front of a coin is referred to as the “Obverse.” The Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins features the right-facing picture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Canada. The “Canada 10 Dollars” indicate the year of mintage along with the face value. Susanna Blunt created the appealing coins’ front side.
Coin collectors refer to the back of coins as the “Reverse.” The back of these coins has an eagle to symbolize the American troops and a lion representing the powerful and feared British army.
A brave eagle faces the fearsome lion. The military conflict shield, which features a painted Canadian maple leaf, is between them. It symbolizes the coordinated efforts of French- and English-speaking Canadian military volunteers as well as their aboriginal allies. The First Nation warriors fought side by side in courageous endeavours to defend their ways of life and the territories where they all lived.
The back of the coins bears an ornate design with inscriptions below it that read “FINE GOLD 1/4 OZ OR PUR,” and above it, the year “1812 – 2012” is printed. Cathy Bursey-Sabourin designed this side of the coins.
Specifications
The Royal Canadian Mint created this quarter-ounce gold bullion coin to commemorate one of the most significant events in Canadian history.
The following are the specifications for these Coins:
- Mass: 7.8 g
- Diameter: 20 mm
- Content: 0.25 troy oz gold
- Purity: 99.99% gold fineness
- Mint: Royal Canadian Mint
- Obverse: Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her name “Elizabeth II,” “Canada,” and “10 Dollars.”
- Reverse: A shield with a maple leaf is held by a lion and an eagle. The description reads “1812–2012”, “9999,” and “FINE GOLD ¼ OZ OR PUR.”
Price of The Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins
Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins have a face value of $10 and are legal tender in all of Canada’s regions and territories. The face value of the 1/4 ounce gold coin is $10, and spending it would be dangerous.
Each magnificent commemorative coin has an intrinsic value of more than $250, primarily derived from the spot gold price reported in the United States and London. Because of their collectible qualities, they also receive a rather considerable premium over gold prices.
Anyone who plans to include these gems in an investment or retirement portfolio must pay close attention to market price because it affects the worth of the portfolios that contain them. The Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins’ actual market value fluctuates daily on market trading days along with the global gold prices.
Conclusion
The Canadian War of 1812 Gold Coins have an incredible historical legacy of the American-British War. Also, $10 coins are legal tender in Canada. However, their primary worth comes from the precious metals they contain and their collecting nature.
Market prices impact the coin’s value, so investors and collectors should pay special attention to them. The actual market value of Canada War of 1812 Gold Coins varies daily on market trading days along with the overall gold price.
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