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The 2017 Canada Proof Set, titled “Celebrating Canada’s 150th: Our Home and Native Land,” was issued by the Royal Canadian Mint to commemorate the sesquicentennial anniversary of Canadian Confederation. As part of a series of special issues released in 2017, this proof set honored the country’s heritage, natural beauty, and cultural legacy. The focal point of the set is a specially designed, selectively gold-plated one-dollar coin that highlights themes of unity and Indigenous recognition, rooted in the Canadian national anthem’s phrase “Our Home and Native Land.” This coin and the complete proof set serve as a powerful numismatic tribute to 150 years of Canadian identity, progress, and diversity.
At the heart of the 2017 Proof Set is the gilded $1 coin, featuring an original design by Canadian artist Germaine Arnaktauyok, a renowned Inuit printmaker and illustrator. The coin depicts a compelling image of Canada’s Northern landscape infused with Inuit cultural symbolism. A mother and child stand beneath the inuksuk, a traditional stone landmark used for navigation and spiritual purposes by Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Selective 24-karat gold plating is applied to the inuksuk, giving it a sacred and central prominence in the design. Above them, the aurora borealis illuminates the sky, adding a celestial and unifying tone to the scene. The imagery captures a quiet reverence for land, family, heritage, and connection to the natural world.
The design is highly symbolic and richly textured, communicating a message of unity and shared history. The inuksuk, gilded in bright gold, is not only a directional marker but also a metaphor for guidance, cooperation, and community. Its use in the coin’s design recognizes the longstanding contributions of Indigenous cultures to the Canadian narrative. The inclusion of the aurora borealis reflects the vast northern landscape that defines much of Canada’s geography. The maternal figure and child represent generational continuity and cultural transmission, underscoring the forward-looking message of the coin’s theme. The words “CANADA 150” appear along the top rim, while the denomination “DOLLAR” and the year “2017” are positioned below the design.
In addition to the special gilded $1 coin, the 2017 Proof Set includes Canada’s six standard circulating denominations: the 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, $1, and $2 coins. Notably, the 1-cent coin is absent, as it was officially withdrawn from circulation in 2012 and excluded from standard proof sets thereafter. Each coin in the set is struck in sterling silver, with the exception of the bimetallic $2 coin. The other coins display their classic Canadian designs: the beaver on the 5 cents, the Bluenose schooner on the 10 cents, the caribou on the 25 cents, the Coat of Arms on the 50 cents, the loon on the standard $1, and the polar bear on the $2. These traditional motifs are presented in the highest quality proof finish, with crisp frosting and mirror-like fields.
Each coin in the set is produced using the Royal Canadian Mint’s premium proof striking process, which involves multiple strikes with polished dies on specially prepared planchets. This ensures highly detailed reliefs and a flawless contrast between the frosted design elements and the reflective fields. The gilding on the commemorative $1 coin is meticulously applied, with sharp delineation between the plated and non-plated areas. The end result is a strikingly beautiful piece of numismatic art, with rich textures and radiant surfaces that appeal to both collectors and admirers of Canadian culture.
The 2017 Proof Set was minted at the Royal Canadian Mint's Ottawa facility and issued in a limited edition of 20,000 sets. This relatively low mintage adds to the collectibility and long-term appeal of the set, particularly among those collecting by theme, year, or national milestone. Each set is housed in an elegant black clamshell case with a magnetic closure, encased in an outer black sleeve featuring the Royal Canadian Mint’s branding and the official “Canada 150” logo. Inside, the coins are individually set in a black velvet tray, emphasizing the gleaming finish and highlighting the gilded dollar as the set’s centerpiece. Each set also comes with a serialized certificate of authenticity detailing the coin specifications and artist information.
The condition of the coins in the 2017 Proof Set is uniformly superb, as expected from a carefully produced and exclusively collector-oriented issue. Proof coins are not intended for circulation and are sealed within their cases to prevent damage or environmental degradation. The selective gold plating remains bright and clean, protected by a transparent coating that prevents tarnish. When stored in its original packaging and handled minimally, the set will maintain its pristine quality indefinitely. On the secondary market, these sets continue to appear in mint state, often receiving top-tier grading (PF69 or PF70) when professionally certified.
The release of the 2017 “Our Home and Native Land” Proof Set coincided with nationwide celebrations of Canada's 150th anniversary. This occasion prompted renewed reflection on Canada's identity, including deeper engagement with Indigenous history, reconciliation efforts, and acknowledgment of cultural diversity. The choice of artist Germaine Arnaktauyok and the prominence of Inuit motifs gave the coin both artistic distinction and cultural authenticity. This made the set a meaningful symbol of inclusion and a bridge between Canada’s Indigenous and settler narratives, wrapped in the unifying symbolism of the national anthem’s most powerful phrase.
This set stands out among Canada’s modern proof issues not only for its commemorative theme but also for the beauty and nuance of its design. While many coins in the Canada 150 series emphasized bold or modern motifs, this set’s aesthetic leans into tradition and spiritual connection to the land. For collectors focused on Indigenous themes, northern imagery, or milestone anniversaries, the 2017 Proof Set occupies a special niche. It resonates emotionally and historically while showcasing the Royal Canadian Mint’s commitment to diversity, artistry, and cultural sensitivity.
In conclusion, the 2017 Canada Proof Set Native Land Gilded is a thoughtful and beautifully executed tribute to Canada’s heritage and future. Featuring a powerful design by an Indigenous artist, premium proof quality, a gilded central coin, and a low mintage, this set holds high value in both numismatic and cultural terms. It exemplifies the best of commemorative coinage—capturing a moment of national reflection and pride in a form that will endure through time. Whether as part of a complete Canada 150 collection or as a standalone celebration of unity and land, this proof set is a striking legacy of Canada’s sesquicentennial year.