Beautiful World Coins

The 2010 Year of the Tiger Silver Proof Lunar Lotus Coin from Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces this beautiful 2010 Year of the Tiger Silver Proof $15 Coin, the first coin in a 12-year series featuring unique scalloped-shaped coins, reminiscent of a lotus flower.

The Year of the Tiger also ruled 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998. However, people born in January or February should consult the Chinese lunar calendar. New Year does not automatically fall on January 1st. This celebration is better known as the Spring Festival and coincides with the first day of spring—a date that shifts from year to year depending upon the lunar cycle and solar year.

The year 2010 is ruled by the Tiger, a majestic animal. The Tiger personality is equally impressive; powerful and daring. Expect a lot of activity when the dynamic Tiger is in your midst. The Tiger is restless and reckless, always ready for action. His zest for life is contagious. The Tiger is incredibly funny, impulsive and sometimes quick-tempered. He may not be the most objective leader, but his fiery passion and fearlessness ultimately capture people’s admiration and respect.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2010

Face value: 15 Dollars

Finish: Proof

Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper

Size: 38 mm

Weight: 26.29 grams

Mintage: 19,888

The Sun Limited Edition 2010 Silver Proof Ultra-High Relief Coin from Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces this 2010 Limited Edition Silver Proof Ultra-High Relief Coin featuring the Sun.

Since time immemorial, the sun has been a powerful symbol for people throughout the world. It has also been a cornerstone in the culture of Canada’s many First Nations communities, representing life, abundance, healing and peace. The sun was carved on masks and totem poles and is the symbol that currently crowns the world’s tallest totem located in Alert Bay (British Columbia). One First Nations legend recounts how Raven released the sun from a box. People believed the Sun Chief could be reached by climbing a chain of arrows, and that he descended from the sky each day by sliding down the sun’s long rays.

The design of this beautiful coin has been crafted in ultra-high relief, an exceptional level of sculpting that requires significant hand crafting and polishing. Slight inconsistencies in the quality of the surface are normal for this ultra-high relief process. This coin is a stunning addition to the Mint's growing gallery of First Nations-inspired coin designs issued in celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2010

Face value: 1 Dollar

Finish: Frosted relief on a proof-like field

Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper

Size: 36.15 mm

Weight: 30 grams

Mintage: 5,000

The 2010 Dromaeosaurus silver proof $4 coin, the last of the dinosaur coins from Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces the 2010 Dromaeosaurus silver proof coin, the fourth and last coin in the Dinosaurs series celebrating Western Canada's reputation as a treasure trove of fossil specimens. The dinosaurs' fossilized bones testify to the massive beasts that once ruled the earth but disappeared suddenly 65 million years ago. Discovered by paleontologists in the late 1800's, they inspired generations of dinosaur hunters and established Canada as one of the richest sources of Late Cretaceous fossils on earth.

*** 10/28/09 Update: The Royal Canadian Mint just announced that this very popular dinosaur coin series will be extended! A 5th coin will be issued in the Fall of 2010. ***

Dromaeosaurus (or “running lizard”) was one of two raptor species that lived in Alberta between 74 and 76 million years ago when the province and neighboring Saskatchewan were the lush subtropical shore of a great inland sea. These dinosaurs ran upright on their two hind legs. They measured about 2.5 m (8.25 ft) from head to tail and would normally weigh less than 20 kg (44 lb). They had clawed hands on their fore limbs and sharp, recurved teeth that were perfectly designed for slicing into prey.

This coin features a captivating design of fossilized dinosaur bones with a selective aging technique that enhances the characteristics of these prehistoric creatures, giving the impression of a real stone fossil. Variations in tone and color are a direct result of this process. No two coins are alike.

Mint: Ottawa

Year: 2010

Face value: 4 Dollars

Finish: Proof

Composition: 99.99% Silver

Size: 34 mm

Weight: 15.87 grams

Mintage: 20,000

The previous dinosaur coin in this series was the 2009 Tyrannosaurus Rex.