1998 Canada 90th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint – 5-Coin Sterling Silver Proof Set (1908–1998)

Canada's first coins, reborn in sterling silver for the Mint's 90th birthday. On January 2, 1908, Governor General Earl Grey struck a fifty-cent piece to open the new Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint — the first coin ever produced on Canadian soil. Ninety years later, the Royal Canadian Mint recreated that inaugural 1908 coinage in this five-coin proof set, each coin faithful to the original Edwardian reverse designs and carrying the commemorative double date 1908–1998. This is the mirror-proof version of the set, with brilliant reflective fields — distinct from the antique-finish issue — limited to 18,376 sets.

The Five Coins

• 50 cents — Maple Leaves with Imperial State Crown; 92.5% silver; 11.62 g; 29.72 mm; reeded edge
• 25 cents — Maple Leaves with Imperial State Crown; 92.5% silver; 5.81 g; 23.62 mm; reeded edge
• 10 cents — Maple Leaves with Imperial State Crown; 92.5% silver; 2.32 g; 18.03 mm; reeded edge
• 5 cents — Maple Leaves with Imperial State Crown; 92.5% silver; 1.167 g; 15.49 mm; reeded edge — a silver five-cent piece, as in 1908, decades before the nickel
• 1 cent — Circle of Maple Leaves; copper-plated 92.5% silver; 5.67 g; 25.4 mm; plain edge — the large cent of 1908, hiding sterling silver beneath its copper surface

Collector Specifications

• Country: Canada
• Year: 1998 (double-dated 1908–1998)
• Denominations: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢ (91¢ total face value)
• Composition: 92.5% sterling silver throughout (1¢ copper-plated)
• Total Weight: 26.59 g (24.59 g payable silver)
• Finish: Mirror proof
• Certificate: Specifications card included (shown in photos)
• Condition: Two sets in stock, individually photographed — the gallery shows both the reverse and obverse sides; any imperfections are visible in the listing photos
• Mintage: 18,376 sets (mirror proof version)
• Designer: Original 1908 reverse designs; obverse effigy by Dora de Pédery-Hunt

Historical Significance

Before 1908, Canada's coins were struck in London and Birmingham. The opening of the Ottawa Mint gave the young country control of its own coinage — the institution that grew into today's Royal Canadian Mint. This set puts the designs of that founding year, including denominations that vanished generations ago, into the hands of collectors in precious metal the originals never saw.

Why We Love This One

It's five little time machines back to 1908 — including a silver nickel and a copper-covered silver cent. A fun set for anyone who loves Canadian coin history.

Please note: this item is sold as is, including its packaging. The photos show the actual sets in stock.