-
Inventory:
3 In Stock
- Product ID: 50212
Checkout
The Canada 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee celebrates the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, a monumental event in both Canadian and Commonwealth history. The year 1952 marked the beginning of a new royal era, and fifty years later, the Royal Canadian Mint sought to honor this remarkable milestone with a proof set that blended tradition, artistry, and national pride. Canada’s connection to the British monarchy has always been deep-rooted, and commemorating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee reflected the country’s continued respect and recognition of its constitutional monarch. By 2002, Queen Elizabeth II had become a symbol of stability and continuity for Canada, making this proof set an especially meaningful release for collectors and citizens alike.
The design of the 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee is characterized by its elegance and special features that differentiate it from standard proof sets. The most notable highlight is the unique commemorative 50-cent coin, which features a modified version of the classic Canadian Coat of Arms. On this special edition, the Coat of Arms is surrounded by the inscription "1952-2002" and "Golden Jubilee," marking the coin as a distinct tribute to the Queen’s reign. The effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse of each coin is a portrait by Dora de Pédery-Hunt, which had been used on Canadian coinage since 1990. The rest of the coins in the set, including the one-cent, five-cent, ten-cent, twenty-five-cent, and loonie (one-dollar coin), retained their traditional designs but were struck in brilliant proof quality, highlighting every intricate detail with razor-sharp precision and deep mirrored fields contrasted against frosted devices.
The mint responsible for producing the 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee is the Royal Canadian Mint, a world-renowned institution known for its high standards of craftsmanship and innovation. Located primarily in Ottawa, the Royal Canadian Mint had been producing coins since 1908 and had earned a reputation for creating some of the world's finest numismatic pieces. For the Golden Jubilee set, the mint utilized its highest production standards, ensuring each coin was struck multiple times under carefully controlled conditions to achieve the signature proof finish. The 2002 Proof Set not only represented an important historical celebration but also showcased the technical prowess and artistic capabilities of the Royal Canadian Mint at the start of the 21st century.
The mintage of the Canada 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee was carefully controlled to enhance its collectibility. Although exact figures can vary slightly due to final demand and production adjustments, it is estimated that approximately 60,000 sets were produced. This relatively modest mintage ensured that the set would remain desirable among collectors, particularly those with an interest in royal memorabilia, Canadian history, or limited-edition proof sets. The controlled production numbers also made the set more exclusive, providing an opportunity for collectors to secure a tangible piece of Canadian and royal history in a form that would endure across generations.
The coins included in the set are all produced with a high level of detail, utilizing various compositions appropriate for each denomination during that period. The one-cent coin, featuring the iconic maple leaf design by George Kruger-Gray, was struck in copper-plated zinc. The five-cent coin, adorned with the traditional beaver design by G. E. Kruger-Gray, was minted in nickel-plated steel. The ten-cent coin with Emanuel Hahn’s Bluenose schooner design, the twenty-five-cent caribou coin also by Hahn, and the loonie featuring Robert-Ralph Carmichael’s common loon design, were all rendered with stunning clarity in their respective metal compositions. However, the standout was clearly the special 50-cent piece, which presented a majestic interpretation of national and monarchical symbolism in a particularly refined manner.
Each proof set came housed in an elegant, leatherette-style presentation case with a magnetic clasp, designed to protect and display the coins with dignity and style. The case included a black velvet interior where the coins were securely nestled, ensuring they remained free of dust, fingerprints, or environmental damage. Accompanying the set was a bilingual certificate of authenticity from the Royal Canadian Mint, detailing the specifications of each coin and affirming the legitimacy and limited nature of the issue. The professional packaging underscored the importance of the commemoration and enhanced the overall appeal to collectors and gift buyers alike.
The condition of the coins in the Canada 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee is uniformly exceptional, as would be expected from a Royal Canadian Mint proof issue. Each coin exhibits flawless or near-flawless surfaces, with no evidence of circulation wear, handling, or production flaws. The mirrored fields are deep and reflective, creating a dramatic backdrop for the frosted designs, a hallmark of true proof quality. The sharpness of the strike ensures that even the most delicate design elements, such as the fine details of the maple leaves or the intricate features of the Coat of Arms, are rendered with remarkable precision. Collectors typically prize these sets for their pristine appearance and the lasting preservation of their celebratory significance.
The 2002 Proof Set also serves as a notable point in Canadian numismatic history because it bridges traditional coin design with royal commemoration in a manner that is both subtle and profound. By opting to retain the classic designs on most of the coins and only altering the fifty-cent piece, the Royal Canadian Mint managed to maintain the timelessness of Canadian circulating coinage while simultaneously offering a tribute to the monarchy that felt special and deliberate. This balance of tradition and commemoration is one of the reasons the set continues to attract the attention of discerning collectors more than two decades after its release.
The 50-cent coin, always a less commonly circulated denomination in Canada, took on a special life within this proof set. Normally a relatively overlooked piece in circulation, the 2002 Golden Jubilee 50-cent coin became the visual and thematic centerpiece of the set. The ornate Coat of Arms, elegantly accented by the Jubilee inscriptions, serves as a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s half-century of service. For Canadian collectors and those across the Commonwealth, the coin’s design encapsulates national pride, history, and the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown.
The Golden Jubilee celebration was a global event, with ceremonies, exhibitions, and commemorations held throughout the Commonwealth. In Canada, celebrations included visits from the Queen herself, where she participated in events spanning multiple provinces. The 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee ties into this larger context, offering a small but permanent artifact of a major historical moment. Its combination of historical relevance, impeccable production quality, and limited availability ensures its place as an important and highly regarded piece within modern Canadian numismatics.
Today, the Canada 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee continues to be sought after by collectors who appreciate both its artistic and historical value. Well-preserved examples, complete with their original packaging and certificates, remain highly desirable, with values reflecting their special status within the market. The set not only honors a significant royal milestone but also stands as a testament to the Royal Canadian Mint’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation. For many collectors, owning the 2002 Proof Set Golden Jubilee is not simply a matter of numismatic interest; it is a connection to the broader tapestry of history, monarchy, and Canadian identity.