The 1973 silver dollar marking the centennial of the North-West Mounted Police, forerunner of the RCMP, in its original black presentation case with red velvet interior. The reverse shows a Mountie in the Force's full dress uniform mounted on his horse, dual-dated 1873–1973; the coin sits in the Mint's black display holder printed "1973 RCMP GRC".
Collector Specifications
Country: Canada
Year: 1973 (dual-dated 1873–1973)
Denomination: $1
Composition: 50% silver / 50% copper, 23.33 g gross
Weight: 23.33 g (11.665 g pure silver, 0.375 troy oz)
Diameter: 36.07 mm
Finish: Specimen
Edge: Reeded
Certificate: None
Packaging: Coin case (Good condition)
Condition: Natural toning with blue-green patches on the reverse, visible in the photos; not graded
Mintage: 904,723
Designer: Paul Cedarberg (reverse) / Arnold Machin (obverse)
Historical Significance
In 1873 Parliament created a mounted police force to bring Canadian law to the North-West Territories, and three hundred men rode west the following summer on what became known as the March West. A century later the RCMP had grown into the country's most recognisable institution, and the Mint marked the anniversary with the first Canadian silver dollar to carry a Mountie. Struck at the tail end of the 50%-silver dollar era, which ran from 1971 to 1976, it remains one of the most collected Canadian commemoratives.
Why We Love This One
The Mountie on horseback is about as Canadian as a coin design gets, and this one still sits in its original black case. The natural toning gives it real character — no two look alike.
Please note: this item is sold as is, including its packaging. The photos show the exact piece you will receive.