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The 2013 Canada Proof Set commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition is a special collector’s issue released by the Royal Canadian Mint to honor one of the nation’s most ambitious and scientifically significant explorations. The original Arctic Expedition, launched in 1913 under the leadership of Vilhjalmur Stefansson and Dr. R.M. Anderson, sought to study the northern reaches of Canada and contributed profoundly to the nation’s geographic and ethnographic understanding. This coin set, released a century later, pays tribute to the courage, scientific inquiry, and resilience demonstrated by the explorers who charted the harsh Arctic environment in the name of progress and knowledge.
The highlight of the 2013 Proof Set is the stunning $1 coin that features a partial gilded design, unique to this issue. The coin showcases an Arctic explorer pulling a sled across a frozen, windswept landscape, a scene drawn directly from the imagery associated with the original expedition. The gilding technique—a selective gold plating applied to the central figure—adds a sense of depth, prominence, and reverence to the explorer depicted. This subtle but impactful use of 24-karat gold contrasts with the frosted background of the silver coin, creating a dramatic and elegant visual representation that underscores the heroism and determination of the expedition's members.
The overall design of the $1 commemorative coin in the set is highly symbolic. The foreground features the lone explorer clad in cold-weather gear, bent forward with exertion as he pulls a traditional Inuit sled. Behind him is a stylized Arctic skyline with drifting ice and a low sun, capturing the desolate beauty of the Far North. The Royal Canadian Mint’s choice of imagery not only evokes the physical hardships endured during the Arctic Expedition but also emphasizes Canada's historical and cultural connection to its northern frontier. Above the scene, the words “CANADA” and “DOLLAR” are inscribed, while the rim includes the years “1913-2013,” commemorating the centennial of the expedition.
This 2013 Proof Set includes all the standard Canadian circulating coins for the year—ranging from the 1-cent piece to the $2 coin—but with the distinction of superior proof quality. Each coin in the set is struck in sterling silver (except the 1-cent piece, which is copper-plated steel), using specially prepared dies and planchets that result in crisp details and mirrored fields. The $1 Arctic Expedition coin is the centerpiece of the set, but all coins feature the classic designs known to collectors: the beaver on the 5 cents, the Bluenose schooner on the 10 cents, the caribou on the 25 cents, and the common loon on the standard $1 coin. Each coin bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt on the obverse, with a frosted portrait against a mirrored background.
The minting process for the 2013 Proof Set was executed with exceptional precision by the Royal Canadian Mint at its facility in Ottawa. These coins were struck multiple times under high pressure to ensure sharply defined reliefs and intricate detail. The mintage of this special set was limited, with only 20,000 sets produced, making it a highly desirable issue for collectors and enthusiasts of Canadian history. The coins are presented in a clamshell case with a black outer sleeve and accompanied by a serialized certificate of authenticity, attesting to the quality and limited mintage of the set. The packaging adds an additional layer of prestige and protection, ideal for display or long-term storage.
The quality of the coins in the 2013 Arctic Expedition Proof Set is of the highest caliber. Proof coins are struck with highly polished dies and planchets, producing a mirror-like field and frosted design elements that create a beautiful contrast. These coins exhibit razor-sharp detail, clean edges, and no minting flaws. The gilded $1 coin, in particular, is a highlight due to the precision and artistry involved in applying the selective gold plating, which enhances the depth and texture of the design. The condition of most surviving sets on the secondary market remains exceptional, as they were distributed in protective packaging and intended for collectors rather than general circulation.
Collectors value the 2013 Arctic Expedition Proof Set not only for its numismatic merit but also for its cultural and historical significance. The coin set serves as a reminder of Canada’s role in early 20th-century exploration and the importance of scientific missions that shaped the understanding of the Arctic landscape. It stands as a testament to both human endurance and national pride, combining artistic beauty with educational value. The inclusion of the now-discontinued 1-cent coin—last minted for circulation in 2012—adds another layer of historical interest to the set, making it a time capsule of sorts from a transitional period in Canadian coinage.
The 2013 Proof Set’s gilded dollar coin also represents a landmark in Canadian coin design, showcasing the Royal Canadian Mint’s technical mastery in blending traditional engraving with modern enhancements like selective gold plating. This hybrid approach has since become more popular in commemorative issues, and the 2013 set can be seen as part of this evolving trend in numismatic artistry. Its artistic innovation and historical focus have led to strong demand among collectors specializing in commemoratives, Canadian proof sets, and exploration-themed numismatics.
Over the years, the 2013 Canada Arctic Expedition Proof Set has retained its appeal due to its limited mintage and unique thematic content. The inclusion of precious metals, particularly sterling silver and 24k gold plating, adds intrinsic value, while the pristine condition of most sets—thanks to their careful production and packaging—ensures continued desirability. When properly stored, the coins exhibit excellent resistance to toning and environmental wear, preserving their sharp strikes and contrast for generations to come. The quality, rarity, and rich storytelling embedded in this proof set make it a standout collectible in the realm of modern Canadian coinage.
In conclusion, the 2013 Canada Proof Set commemorating the Arctic Expedition is a masterfully executed numismatic tribute to one of the defining scientific explorations in Canadian history. With its combination of exceptional design, selective gilding, low mintage, and premium condition, the set holds strong appeal for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts. As time passes, its value continues to appreciate not only monetarily but as a beautifully preserved historical artifact capturing the legacy of discovery and national spirit that marked the early 20th century Canadian Arctic frontier.