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The 1987 Canada 20 Dollars Figure Skating silver coin (KM#155) is one of the final releases in the prestigious ten-coin sterling silver series issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in commemoration of the XV Olympic Winter Games held in Calgary in 1988. Issued as a proof coin with a limited mintage, the Figure Skating $20 stands out for its elegance, artistry, and representation of one of the most visually captivating winter Olympic sports. Struck in .925 fine silver with the Mint’s renowned precision, this coin exemplifies both Canada's dedication to athletic excellence and the Royal Canadian Mint's mastery of modern numismatic craftsmanship.
The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin. This iconic right-facing portrait of the Queen, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, was used on Canadian coinage from the mid-1960s through the late 1980s. Around the edge of the design is the Latin legend “ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA,” meaning “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen.” In proof condition, the Queen’s portrait is struck in frosted relief with sharp definition and appears in high contrast against the coin’s deeply mirrored background, showcasing the classic elegance of the obverse design in stunning detail.
The reverse of the coin is a graceful and fluid depiction of a female figure skater in mid-performance. She is shown in an elegant pose, with one leg extended behind and both arms lifted, capturing a moment of balance, motion, and artistic flair typical of Olympic-level figure skating. The detail of her attire, posture, and movement is expertly rendered, reflecting both athletic precision and expressive artistry. To the right of the figure is the official emblem of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games—a stylized snowflake made of interlocking “C” shapes, with the Olympic rings and a central maple leaf, symbolizing both Canada and the Games. Below the central imagery are the inscriptions “20 DOLLARS” and the year of issue “1987,” both rendered in a clean, modern font that complements the overall composition.
The coin is struck in sterling silver, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, with a total weight of 34.08 grams and a diameter of 40 millimeters. The actual silver weight (ASW) is 1.0145 troy ounces, making this coin an attractive option for both precious metal investors and collectors of modern proof commemoratives. The reeded edge and large surface area provide an ideal canvas for the coin’s intricate design, and the proof finish—with frosted design elements against reflective fields—amplifies the visual drama of the skater’s movement and the coin’s overall aesthetic appeal.
This issue was part of the Royal Canadian Mint’s Olympic coin program, which launched in 1985 and concluded in 1987, just prior to the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. The total mintage for the 1987 Figure Skating coin was limited to 500,000 pieces, all issued in proof quality. Each coin was originally housed in a black leatherette clamshell case lined with red velvet and accompanied by a bilingual certificate of authenticity. Many coins from this series remain in their original packaging, enhancing their value to collectors and ensuring the preservation of the mirror finish and frosted devices typical of a high-grade proof.
In Proof (PF) condition, the 1987 Figure Skating coin exhibits full detail and minimal to no post-mint imperfections. The skater’s costume and limbs, the curves of her body, and the texture of the Olympic emblem are all sharply rendered. The fields should remain bright and free from haze or spotting if the coin has been properly stored. Many examples submitted to grading services such as PCGS or NGC receive PF68 or PF69 grades, reflecting the Mint’s superior quality control standards during production. Coins in these grades retain strong market demand, particularly when accompanied by original packaging and documentation.
Figure skating is a sport that blends athleticism with elegance and musical interpretation, making it a highlight of every Winter Olympic Games. Its inclusion in the 1988 Olympic silver coin series was a natural choice, as the sport has consistently been one of the most watched and celebrated events during the Games. The coin captures the essence of the sport: fluid grace, strength, and poise—all conveyed within a fleeting pose that has been immortalized in precious metal.
This coin holds lasting appeal to a wide audience, including collectors of Canadian proof coinage, Olympic enthusiasts, figure skating fans, and those assembling full sets of the Calgary Olympic $20 commemorative series. As one of the later coins in the ten-coin collection, the Figure Skating coin complements earlier issues that featured speed skating, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, freestyle skiing, and other winter disciplines. It offers not only aesthetic beauty but also historical significance, as a reflection of Canada’s role in hosting one of the most successful Winter Games in Olympic history.
Beyond its numismatic and artistic appeal, the coin offers intrinsic value due to its high silver content and limited availability. The Calgary Olympic silver series remains a landmark in Canadian numismatics and represents one of the largest and most comprehensive modern Olympic coin programs ever undertaken by a host nation. Each coin in the series, including this 1987 Figure Skating issue, contributes to a broader narrative of national pride, artistic achievement, and commitment to international sport.
In conclusion, the 1987 Canada $20 Figure Skating silver proof coin (KM#155) is a standout piece in the Calgary Olympic commemorative series. It combines the grace of one of the most beloved Olympic sports with the superior craftsmanship of the Royal Canadian Mint. With its proof finish, limited mintage, and enduring appeal, this coin remains a prized addition for collectors who appreciate the intersection of sport, art, and national heritage—all captured in a beautiful piece of sterling silver.