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The Canada 2019 $20 Silver Historical Stamps: Coat of Arms & Flags coin is a numismatic homage to one of the most iconic symbols of Canada’s national identity, featuring a design based on a classic 1955 commemorative stamp that celebrated Canadian unity through heraldry and the national and provincial flags. As part of the Royal Canadian Mint’s esteemed “Historical Stamps” series, this limited-edition coin pays tribute to the artistry and cultural significance of Canadian postage while enhancing the historical design with fine silver, vibrant colorization, and advanced minting techniques. The result is a visually rich and symbolically resonant coin that appeals to both stamp collectors and lovers of Canadian heritage.
The reverse design is centered on a full-color reproduction of the 1955 Canadian stamp that honored the nation’s coat of arms and showcased the diversity and unity of the country’s provinces and territories through their flags. At the core of the image is the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada, adopted in 1921 and revised over time to reflect the nation’s evolving identity. It features a quartered shield bearing the emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France—signifying Canada’s colonial roots—capped by the three maple leaves of Canada at the base, unified by a single stem to represent unity among diversity. Above the shield is the royal crown, while supporters—the lion of England and unicorn of Scotland—flank the arms in a heraldic pose.
Surrounding the coat of arms are the flags of Canada’s ten provinces and two territories as they existed in the mid-20th century. These include the provincial banners of Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and others, carefully arranged in colorful symmetry that enhances the coin’s patriotic character. The flag depictions are rendered with extraordinary precision in full color on the silver canvas, using advanced selective colorization techniques that respect the integrity of the original 1955 stamp while enhancing its vibrancy through modern minting methods. The top of the image is inscribed with “CANADA POSTES - POSTAGE” and the bottom displays the stamp’s denomination “FIVE CENTS,” faithfully reproducing the text of the original issue.
The stamp reproduction is set within a rectangular frame with simulated perforation edges to mimic the appearance of an actual postage stamp. This effect is elevated by a sculpted relief border engraved with ornamental filigree and a frosted proof finish that adds contrast between the central image and the polished silver field. The design’s accuracy and depth showcase the Royal Canadian Mint’s ability to transform flat, printed designs into three-dimensional works of numismatic art, without losing any of the historical or symbolic nuance of the original stamp issue.
The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt. This effigy, used since 2003, appears in frosted relief and is accompanied by the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “D·G·REGINA,” and the year “2019.” The Queen’s portrait provides both a symbolic and temporal anchor to the coin, reinforcing the continuity of Canadian constitutional tradition and national identity. The obverse’s clean, mirror-like finish contrasts with the detailed complexity of the reverse, creating an elegant balance that highlights the coin’s dual role as a legal-tender issue and historical tribute.
Struck in one troy ounce of 99.99% fine silver, the coin measures 51 mm in diameter, providing a broad surface ideal for the reproduction of fine details and colorized elements. The combination of brilliant proof finish, ultra-high relief, and precise ink application make this coin an outstanding example of the Royal Canadian Mint’s technical prowess and artistic fidelity. Every element—from the heraldic lines of the arms to the intricate provincial flags—is rendered with clarity and crispness, giving collectors an engaging and meaningful visual experience.
The coin’s mintage was limited to just 5,000 pieces worldwide, enhancing its appeal among collectors of Canadian silver commemoratives, historical philatelic reproductions, and heraldic art. Each coin was encapsulated in a transparent protective capsule, housed within a black Royal Canadian Mint clamshell case, and accompanied by a serialized certificate of authenticity. The outer packaging featured thematic artwork consistent with the coin’s stamp-based design, and an informative card detailed the history and symbolism of the original 1955 stamp and Canada’s coat of arms.
The 1955 stamp that inspired this coin was originally issued to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Canadian Confederation and was notable for its rich symbolism and unusual composition. It was among the first Canadian stamps to feature such a dense display of provincial flags alongside a central national emblem, effectively serving as a pictorial representation of the dominion’s federal structure. Its reimagining in silver and color on the 2019 coin underscores how Canada’s philatelic history has often been a mirror for its evolving national consciousness, visually affirming the country's foundational principles of unity, diversity, and loyalty to the Crown.
Collectors prize this coin not only for its aesthetic beauty and precious metal content but also for its cultural depth and educational value. It occupies a unique place within the Historical Stamps series, emphasizing national symbolism more explicitly than earlier entries that focused on figures or events. The heraldic detail, vibrant color work, and historic subject matter make it an excellent display piece, especially for those with interests in Canadian constitutional history, provincial development, or graphic design in public symbolism. Its preservation of a vintage stamp design in such a finely crafted format ensures its enduring appeal in numismatic and philatelic circles alike.
In mint condition, this coin maintains flawless surfaces, sharp relief, and pristine coloring—attributes that are critical to its collector value. As a proof-quality strike, it exhibits the highest standard of finish available from the Royal Canadian Mint, with mirror fields and frosted devices unmarred by handling or age. Coins that remain sealed in their original packaging with full documentation are especially desirable and retain strong market interest due to the limited mintage and crossover appeal among collectors of different disciplines.
In conclusion, the Canada 2019 $20 Silver Historical Stamps: Coat of Arms & Flags coin is an inspired and expertly executed celebration of Canadian identity and unity. Drawing on the rich heritage of the 1955 commemorative stamp, the coin blends heraldic tradition, provincial symbolism, and numismatic artistry into a cohesive and collectible form. With its limited mintage, superior craftsmanship, and strong ties to both Canada’s postal and political history, this coin stands as a standout piece in the Historical Stamps series and a meaningful tribute to the values that have shaped the Canadian nation.