Northern Illinois Coin & Stamp inc.

2008 $250 Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games: Towards Confederation NGC PF 69 UC

NGC PROOF 69 ULTRA CAMEO #3249292-012

COIN IS IN ORIGINAL CAPSULE SEALED WITH A NGC GRADED LABEL

This coin depicts Canada's diverse Native heritage surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves, the internationally renowned symbol of Canada.

The design flows from east to west beginning in 1534, symbolized by a portrait of Jacques Cartier and a cross, claiming the land for France. Just below the portrait is an astrolabe representing explorer Samuel de Champlain. A rendition of the tall ship represents the British influence and the continuing French-English presence. This leads the eye to the centre of the design, which features Lower Fort Garry and the Red River Cart - a means of transportation over land and water. We see the Metis flag featuring the infinity symbol representing the coming together of the two distinct cultures: European and Native.

To the lower left of the design are the Voyageurs travelling by canoe over the rapids, representing the development of the fur trade in Canada. Another major Canadian industry is represented by the salmon swimming upstream. Above the Voyageurs are images of David Thompson and Alexander MacKenzie representing the exploration and mapping of Canada to the Pacific coast. Beside MacKenzie is an image of Fort Langley, representing the west coast and trading posts, while above him is an image of the logging industry which used the river system for transportation. 

The design comes full circle with the image of Province House in Prince Edward Island where the Fathers of Confederation met in 1867.

Diameter: 101.6mm
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Bullion Weight: 1000 grams (32.151 tr oz)

Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II

Reverse: Towards Confederation

Finish: Proof

Mintage: 2500
Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
Theme(s): Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games