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The Canada 2007 $20 Silver Tall Ships—Brigantine coin is part of a celebrated numismatic series produced by the Royal Canadian Mint to honor Canada's deep maritime heritage and the historic sailing vessels that once defined trade, exploration, and defense along its coasts. This particular coin features the brigantine, a two-masted sailing ship that played a pivotal role during the age of sail, especially in North American waters during the 18th and 19th centuries. Crafted in 99.99% fine silver, this commemorative piece merges artistic excellence with historical reverence, making it a treasured addition to both maritime and numismatic collections.
Brigantines were hybrid sailing ships, often combining square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the mainmast, enabling them to be both fast and maneuverable. They were widely used for both commercial and military purposes throughout the 1700s and 1800s and were especially favored in Canadian coastal waters for their agility and ease of handling. In Canadian maritime tradition, the brigantine was associated with exploration, commerce, and naval training, and it served as a link between traditional seafaring culture and modern maritime education, making its depiction on this coin both historically rich and symbolically significant.
The reverse design of the coin, created by Canadian artist Bonnie Ross, features a detailed image of a brigantine under full sail as it cuts through open water. The intricate engraving captures the wind billowing through the sails, the taut lines of the rigging, and the vessel's elegant silhouette against a stylized sea. The ship is positioned at an angle, emphasizing its forward momentum and nautical grace, while the background remains minimal to draw focus entirely to the vessel. Below the ship is the denomination “20 DOLLARS,” and around the rim appear the inscriptions “CANADA 2007” and the artist’s initials, offering a balanced and classical layout.
The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt. Her Majesty’s portrait appears in frosted relief against a polished background, accompanied by the inscription “ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA.” This portrait has been the standard on Canadian coinage since 2003 and provides a contemporary royal connection to a coin otherwise steeped in historical nostalgia. The obverse maintains the high standards of the Royal Canadian Mint’s proof strikes, with immaculate detail and a mirror-like field that complements the maritime scene on the reverse.
The coin was struck in 99.99% pure silver and weighs 31.39 grams, equivalent to one troy ounce, with a diameter of 38 mm. Its proof finish showcases a mix of frosted and polished elements, enhancing the dimensionality of the engraving and drawing the eye to the ship’s sails, hull, and sea spray. Each coin was edge-lettered and individually encapsulated to preserve its flawless condition. It was housed in a maroon clamshell presentation case with a serialized certificate of authenticity and an informative booklet detailing the history of brigantines in Canadian waters and their lasting cultural significance.
The Royal Canadian Mint limited the mintage of the 2007 $20 Brigantine coin to 10,000 pieces worldwide, adding a layer of exclusivity and collectibility. As part of the broader “Tall Ships” series, which included other legendary vessels such as schooners and barques, this coin appealed to collectors interested in Canada’s seafaring legacy, naval history, and fine silver coinage. The series gained popularity for its artistic merit and its ability to evoke the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized Canada's maritime past.
Condition-wise, the coin was issued in proof quality, the highest standard of finish offered by the Royal Canadian Mint. Coins that remain sealed in their original capsule, free from fingerprints, toning, or handling marks, retain their highest collector value. In such mint condition, the contrast between the frosted ship and the mirror-like fields remains vivid, and the fine details of the sails and rigging are crisp and easily discernible. Collectors and grading services typically expect pristine surfaces, sharp strikes, and no signs of oxidation or haze to classify a coin as PF-69 or PF-70.
Thematically, the coin serves as a tribute not only to the ship design itself but also to Canada’s enduring connection to the sea. The brigantine was crucial in Canada’s development, used for transporting goods, patrolling the coastline, and training sailors for future generations. Even in modern times, brigantines are used as sail-training vessels for youth programs, instilling leadership and seamanship skills. This historical continuity adds depth and meaning to the coin, making it more than just a commemorative—it’s a cultural artifact celebrating Canada's maritime identity.
The Brigantine coin’s appeal lies in its multi-faceted resonance: it commemorates a vital vessel type, it is a masterwork of numismatic design, and it represents a nation’s intimate relationship with its coastal waters. Collectors of nautical-themed coinage, students of naval history, and admirers of Canadian silver coins all find significant value in the piece. As it was struck in fine silver with limited mintage and a high-quality finish, it also attracts investors who value precious metals in collectible form, particularly those issued by sovereign mints with strong reputations for craftsmanship.
In conclusion, the Canada 2007 $20 Silver Tall Ships—Brigantine coin is an elegant and historically grounded tribute to one of the most iconic sailing vessels of Canada’s past. Through its precise engraving, sterling silver content, and low mintage, it captures the spirit of a maritime era when wind-powered ships opened the world’s coasts and connected Canada’s diverse regions. As both a numismatic keepsake and a celebration of seafaring tradition, this coin holds a respected place in Canadian commemorative coinage and remains a sought-after addition for collectors worldwide.