Description
2009 $15 Coin—King George VI
Showcase of Canadian Coin Effigies
The art form once reserved for wealthy aristocrats can now be
enjoyed with this remarkable coin series featuring the effigies of five
monarchs that have appeared on Canada's circulation coins. Each
effigy is struck in ultra high relief reminiscent of ancient medallic art.
Canada did not always produce its coins domestically. Until the Royal
Canadian Mint opened in 1908, Canadian coins were imported from
overseas. Even then, the designs and tools remained the domain of
the Royal Mint in London while the Canadian facility operated as its
Ottawa branch. This began to change in 1930 when the Mint became
a wholly owned Canadian institution.
The fourth coin in the series features George VI. He became king
unexpectedly when his brother abdicated the throne in 1936. George
VI was extremely dedicated to his role and became immensely
popular during the Second World War when he and his wife Queen
Elizabeth refused to leave Buckingham Palace and visited bombedout
areas. In 1939, George VI (along with Queen Elizabeth) became
the first reigning monarch to visit Canada. This uncrowned portrait
of King George VI first appeared on Canada's 1-, 5-, 10-, 25-, and
50-cent coins from 1937 to 1952.
specifications:
Face Value: 15 dollars
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 30
Diameter (mm): 36.15
Edge: Plain
Finish: Frosted relief on a proof-like field
Special features:
- A MINT FIRST! Double-effigy coin (reverse and obverse).
- A RARITY! Each featured effigy is struck in the ultra high relief long associated with ancient medallic art.
- HANDCRAFTED ARTISTRY! These magnificent coins are individually hand-polished and quadruple struck. Slight
- inconsistencies in the quality of the surface are normal for this ultra-high relief process.
- Designs approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
- Low mintage—only 10,000 coins (each) worldwide!
- A unique showcase of effigies from the monarchy that will appear on five coins to be released over three years including
- 2008 Queen Victoria, 2008 King Edward VII, 2008 King George V, 2009 King George VI and 2009 Queen Elizabeth II.
