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The Canada $20 Silver Proof 2002 Transportation Series—D-10 Locomotive coin is a captivating commemorative issue from the Royal Canadian Mint, crafted to honor one of Canada’s most iconic steam locomotives. Struck in .9999 fine silver, this proof-quality coin belongs to the popular Transportation Series, which celebrates key vehicles and machines that shaped Canada’s growth and industrial development. The D-10 locomotive, featured on this coin, was a mainstay of Canadian railroads in the early 20th century and stands as a testament to the country’s railway expansion, technological progress, and national unification through transportation.
Introduced in the early 1900s, the D-10 class locomotive became one of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s most reliable and numerous steam engines, designed for versatility and durability. Built by the Canadian Locomotive Company and Montreal Locomotive Works, the D-10 served faithfully in both passenger and freight operations across the vast Canadian landscape. With nearly 500 units produced, the D-10 helped power Canada’s economic expansion, enabling faster, more efficient connections between provinces and supporting agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth. By commemorating the D-10, the Royal Canadian Mint pays tribute to a workhorse of the rails that helped build the modern Canadian nation.
The obverse of the 2002 $20 silver coin features the elegant effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Canadian sculptor Dora de Pédery-Hunt. This portrait, introduced in the 1990s, presents the Queen wearing a tiara, with a composed and regal expression that reflects Canada’s constitutional monarchy and enduring ties to the British Crown. The inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “20 DOLLARS,” and the year “2002” surround the portrait, anchoring the coin within Canada’s formal numismatic framework and providing a refined contrast to the vivid historical design on the reverse.
The reverse showcases a beautifully detailed engraving of the D-10 locomotive, shown in full motion with billowing steam and intricate mechanical detail. The artist’s masterful rendering captures the locomotive’s robust design, large driving wheels, and imposing presence, set against a subtle backdrop that hints at the railways and landscapes of early 20th-century Canada. The inscriptions “CANADA” and “D-10 LOCOMOTIVE” frame the scene, underscoring the national significance of the design and linking the coin to Canada’s storied railway heritage.
Each coin is struck in one troy ounce (31.1 grams) of .9999 fine silver, with a diameter of 38 millimeters, offering a substantial and visually impressive presentation. The brilliant proof finish features frosted design elements set against gleaming, mirror-like fields, creating a striking contrast that brings the locomotive’s intricate details to life. The Royal Canadian Mint’s renowned precision and quality control ensure that each coin is flawlessly struck, delivering sharp relief, smooth surfaces, and meticulous craftsmanship that meet the highest numismatic standards.
The mintage for the 2002 $20 Silver Transportation Series—D-10 Locomotive coin was limited to just 28,639 pieces, making it a relatively scarce and highly collectible issue. Each coin was presented in a classic black Royal Canadian Mint clamshell case, lined with velvet and accompanied by an individually numbered certificate of authenticity detailing the coin’s technical specifications and historical background. Collectors place significant value on these original packaging components, as they help preserve the coin’s condition, confirm its authenticity, and enhance its long-term collectible and investment appeal.
Condition plays a crucial role in the desirability and market value of this silver proof coin. Coins that have been carefully stored in their original mint packaging, untouched by handling or environmental factors, maintain their brilliant luster, sharp details, and pristine mirror-like surfaces. Many collectors choose to have these coins graded and encapsulated by professional certification services such as NGC or PCGS, where top grades like PF69 or PF70 can significantly elevate their market value. Proper storage in a stable, climate-controlled environment helps ensure the coin’s enduring beauty and long-term preservation.
Beyond its material and numismatic qualities, the coin carries profound symbolic meaning. The D-10 locomotive represents more than just a machine; it embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and national unity that characterized Canada’s railway era. Steam locomotives like the D-10 were instrumental in overcoming geographic barriers, connecting communities, and fueling economic progress, helping to transform Canada into a thriving and integrated nation. For railway enthusiasts, Canadian history buffs, and collectors of transportation-themed coins, this piece offers a meaningful connection to the country’s industrial past and the technologies that helped shape its future.
In summary, the Canada $20 Silver Proof 2002 Transportation Series—D-10 Locomotive coin is a masterfully crafted commemorative that blends historical tribute, artistic excellence, and high-purity silver craftsmanship. With its limited mintage, brilliant proof finish, and detailed depiction of one of Canada’s most important steam locomotives, the coin stands as both a numismatic treasure and a celebration of the country’s pioneering railway heritage. Whether added to a specialized collection, presented as a thoughtful gift, or cherished as a symbol of national pride and industrial achievement, this coin offers lasting value, historical resonance, and collectible beauty that will continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come.