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The 1987 Canada 20 Dollars Bobsled silver coin (KM#160) is one of the final and most dynamic issues in the ten-coin sterling silver proof series produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in celebration of the XV Olympic Winter Games held in Calgary in 1988. Struck in .925 fine silver and finished to proof standards, this coin commemorates the high-speed intensity of bobsledding—an Olympic sport that demands precision, teamwork, and engineering excellence. Issued in limited quantity and bearing a bold design, the Bobsled $20 coin combines artistic flair, Olympic legacy, and precious metal content, making it a standout among Canada’s modern commemorative issues.
The obverse of the coin features the standard Arnold Machin effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right and wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This portrait was used on Canadian coinage from 1965 to the late 1980s. Surrounding the portrait is the Latin inscription “ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA,” which translates to “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen.” In proof condition, the Queen’s profile is rendered in frosted relief, contrasting sharply with the mirrored background, providing the classic cameo finish for which the Royal Canadian Mint’s proof issues are known.
The reverse of the coin captures the high-adrenaline sport of bobsledding with striking realism. It features a four-man bobsled team in the midst of a downhill run, their sled angled dynamically as it speeds down the track. The leading edge of the sled is depicted in sharp detail, while the helmeted athletes lean forward in aerodynamic unison, emphasizing both motion and teamwork. To the right of the design is the official emblem of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games, composed of a stylized snowflake formed by interlocking “C” shapes, incorporating a maple leaf and the Olympic rings at its center. The inscriptions “20 DOLLARS” and “1987” appear beneath the sled, clearly legible and harmoniously integrated into the overall design.
The coin was 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. Its actual silver content (ASW) is 1.0145 troy ounces. The edge is reeded, and the coin was minted using the Royal Canadian Mint’s proof-quality process, which involves specially prepared dies and planchets to ensure crisp details and deep mirror-like fields. The reverse’s frosted design elements stand out prominently against the brilliant finish, giving the impression of speed and depth on a relatively flat surface—testament to the Mint’s precision engraving and production capabilities.
The 1987 $20 Bobsled coin was released with a maximum mintage of 500,000 pieces, consistent with other coins in the Calgary Olympic commemorative series. Each coin was sold in a black leatherette presentation case lined with red velvet and accompanied by a bilingual certificate of authenticity. Many examples have remained in their original packaging, preserving the coin’s flawless proof condition. Coins that include the original case and documentation remain particularly desirable among collectors of Olympic-themed issues or modern Canadian commemoratives.
In Proof (PF) condition, this coin exhibits the hallmarks of careful craftsmanship: sharp strike definition, excellent contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields, and brilliant overall luster. The athletes’ helmets, the curvature of the sled, and the subtle motion lines all appear crisp and detailed. Coins that have been professionally graded by third-party services such as NGC or PCGS frequently receive high grades such as PF68 or PF69, and examples with no hazing or toning are especially sought after by collectors and investors alike.
Bobsledding, or bobsleigh, is a classic Winter Olympic event that combines raw speed, engineering, and athlete coordination. Canada has a long tradition of excellence in sliding sports, and the choice to feature bobsledding in the Olympic silver coin series underscores the nation's enthusiasm for both the sport and the international competition it represents. The 1988 Games in Calgary were particularly symbolic, as they marked Canada’s first time hosting the Winter Olympics, making each coin in this series a historical artifact of national pride and global sporting celebration.
This coin appeals to a variety of collector types. For Olympic enthusiasts, it represents a core discipline of the Winter Games. For Canadian numismatists, it holds national significance. For silver collectors, it delivers over an ounce of high-purity silver in a highly aesthetic and low-mintage format. It also holds strong crossover appeal for fans of winter sports memorabilia, making it suitable for display or as a gift for those involved in or passionate about bobsledding or Olympic history.
As one of the concluding issues in the ten-coin Calgary 1988 $20 silver series, the Bobsled coin provides visual variety and thematic excitement. It complements the other sport-themed coins in the set—including curling, figure skating, skiing, and speed skating—and contributes a high-energy design that underscores the drama and athleticism of Olympic competition. Collectors pursuing the complete series find this coin essential, and its distinct imagery and sharp relief help it stand out even as part of a full set.
In conclusion, the 1987 Canada $20 Bobsled silver proof coin (KM#160) is a visually striking, historically meaningful, and technically refined commemorative that reflects the spirit of the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. With its bold design, sterling silver content, and limited mintage, it offers collectors a blend of athletic celebration, national pride, and lasting numismatic value. Whether collected as a standalone piece or as part of the full Olympic series, this coin remains a standout example of modern Canadian proof coinage at its finest.