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The Canada 2018 $20 Silver Historical Stamps: Parliament Building coin is a masterful tribute to one of the most symbolic and architecturally significant institutions in Canada’s national identity. Issued by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of its acclaimed “Historical Stamps” series, this numismatic release reimagines a historic postage stamp featuring the Parliament Buildings of Canada—an emblem of governance, democracy, and national pride. Crafted in one ounce of .9999 fine silver, the coin faithfully reproduces the ornate artistry and cultural resonance of the original philatelic design while enhancing it through selective coloring, high relief engraving, and exquisite proof finish. It stands as a testament to Canada’s proud heritage and to the enduring legacy of its postal and political milestones.
The reverse of the coin features a colorized adaptation of a 20-cent Canadian postage stamp originally issued in 1935 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of King George V’s accession to the throne. This stamp highlighted Canada’s Parliament Buildings in Ottawa—a neogothic architectural complex that stands as the seat of the federal government. The stamp’s depiction of the Centre Block and its towering Peace Tower is framed by classical scrollwork and inscribed with “CANADA POSTES – POSTAGE” along the top and the denomination “20 CENTS” along the bottom. This central image, replicated on the coin, is rendered in deep purple tones to match the original stamp, with fine detailing capturing the spires, windows, and flying flag with astonishing precision.
The engraved frame of the coin mimics the perforated edges of the original stamp, complete with decorative scrolls and filigree that blend seamlessly with the surrounding silver border. The use of high-relief engraving accentuates the intricate textures of the Parliament facade—stonework, trees, and even the clock face of the Peace Tower are rendered in extraordinary detail. The coin's overall composition achieves a sophisticated harmony between historical accuracy and numismatic craftsmanship, offering collectors a vivid glimpse into Canada's architectural and postal heritage.
The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt. This familiar portrait, used on Canadian coinage since 2003, appears in frosted relief against a polished field, along with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “D·G·REGINA,” and the year of issue, “2018.” The inclusion of Canada’s reigning monarch ties the coin’s historic subject to the modern constitutional framework, underscoring the continuity of governance from the days of King George V to the present. This juxtaposition of monarchy and democracy is symbolically appropriate for a coin celebrating the nation’s parliamentary center.
Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in one troy ounce of 99.99% pure silver, the coin measures 51 mm in diameter, offering a broad canvas for its detailed design. The proof finish—a hallmark of the Mint’s highest-quality products—features polished mirror-like fields and frosted devices, emphasizing contrast and depth. Selective colorization adds realism and historical authenticity, echoing the original stamp’s royal purple hue. This artistic application highlights the central stamp image while maintaining the elegance of the surrounding silver, allowing collectors to appreciate both the numismatic and philatelic elements in harmony.
The coin was issued with a limited mintage of just 5,000 pieces worldwide, ensuring its exclusivity and appeal among collectors of Canadian commemorative issues, royal memorabilia, and stamp-themed coinage. Each coin came encapsulated and presented in a black clamshell case with a serialized certificate of authenticity and a full-color presentation box. The accompanying literature provided historical background on the 1935 stamp, the architectural significance of the Parliament Buildings, and the role of the Peace Tower as a national symbol of remembrance and governance.
The 1935 20-cent stamp upon which this coin is based was itself a product of national pride, marking a quarter-century of King George V’s reign and the maturing identity of the Canadian Dominion within the British Empire. The stamp portrayed the rebuilt Parliament Buildings, completed after the devastating 1916 fire that destroyed much of the original structure. Its reissue in silver on this 2018 coin offers both a nod to Canadian resilience and a celebration of institutional continuity. The Peace Tower, completed in 1927, stands today as a national landmark and appears at the center of this design as a symbol of Canadian democracy and remembrance.
In terms of condition, the coin was released in proof format, meaning it exhibits the finest detail and finish achievable by the Royal Canadian Mint. Examples preserved in their original packaging retain flawless fields, sharp relief, and unblemished colorization. The combination of pristine surfaces, vibrant ink tones, and high-definition engraving make for a visually stunning collectible. These qualities, combined with the coin’s low mintage, enhance its desirability in both primary and secondary markets, particularly among collectors who appreciate the intersection of architecture, history, and philately.
Collectors of this piece are drawn to its multidisciplinary appeal. It resonates with fans of architectural history due to the subject matter; with philatelists because of its faithful homage to a classic Canadian stamp; and with numismatists due to its limited mintage, precious metal content, and superior minting quality. It also holds special interest for Canadians and global collectors who appreciate the symbolic importance of Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings and their role as the heart of Canada’s federal government. As part of the larger Historical Stamps series, this coin offers a coherent narrative thread that connects different facets of Canadian history through the lens of postage and coinage.
In conclusion, the Canada 2018 $20 Silver Historical Stamps: Parliament Building coin is a visually compelling, historically rich, and expertly crafted tribute to Canada’s political and postal heritage. Through its faithful adaptation of the 1935 20-cent stamp, its use of color, engraving, and proof finish, and its presentation in limited-edition format, the coin captures the spirit of national pride embodied in both Canada’s Parliament and its philatelic traditions. Whether collected as a stand-alone piece or as part of the broader Historical Stamps series, it stands as a distinguished artifact that celebrates the enduring symbols of Canadian identity and governance.