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The 2021 Canada Proof Set celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bluenose schooner is a striking numismatic tribute issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, combining artistic excellence and historical reverence. The Bluenose, launched in 1921 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is one of the most iconic symbols of Canadian maritime heritage. Known as the “Queen of the North Atlantic,” she became a racing champion and later a symbol of national pride, appearing on the Canadian 10-cent coin since 1937. The 2021 Proof Set commemorates this legacy with a specially designed, selectively gold-plated 10-cent coin—marking the first time in the Mint’s history that a dime has received this treatment in a proof set.
The focal point of the 2021 Proof Set is the specially designed 10-cent coin, which features a dynamic and modern interpretation of the Bluenose in full sail. Created by Nova Scotia marine artist Yves Bérubé, the design depicts the schooner cutting through ocean waves at high speed, her sails taut and her hull slicing the Atlantic with power and grace. Selective 24-karat gold plating is applied to the ship’s sails and rigging, emphasizing the central motif with dramatic contrast against the mirror-like sterling silver background. The intricate rigging and flowing motion of the sea are rendered in exquisite detail, capturing the energy and beauty of the Bluenose at her peak.
The coin’s reverse features the inscription “Bluenose 1921–2021” above the ship, while the word “CANADA” and the denomination “10 CENTS” appear along the bottom rim. The selective gold plating not only enhances visual appeal but also serves as a symbolic gilding of a century-old legacy that has become inseparable from Canada’s national identity. This special dime stands apart from the standard Bluenose design by providing a fresh artistic perspective and elevating its subject with elegant gilding, adding both numismatic and emotional value to the piece.
The full 2021 Proof Set includes all seven standard Canadian circulating coin denominations: 5-cent, 10-cent (Bluenose commemorative), 25-cent, 50-cent, $1, and $2 coins, with the 1-cent coin no longer included since its discontinuation in 2012. Each coin is struck in sterling silver, except for the $2 coin, which retains its bimetallic format of aluminum bronze and nickel. The remaining denominations feature their classic designs: the beaver on the 5 cents, the caribou on the 25 cents, the Coat of Arms on the 50 cents, the loon on the $1 coin, and the polar bear on the $2 coin. The gilded Bluenose dime replaces the standard design as the set’s centerpiece and focal point of celebration.
All coins in the set are produced to the Mint’s highest proof standards. The process involves multiple strikes using specially polished dies on carefully prepared planchets to achieve maximum detail and a flawless finish. The result is coins with deeply frosted reliefs and highly reflective fields that enhance their aesthetic quality. The gilding on the Bluenose dime is applied with precision using advanced techniques that ensure clean boundaries and long-lasting luster. The technical excellence of this proof set exemplifies the Royal Canadian Mint’s mastery in both traditional and modern minting disciplines.
This 2021 Proof Set was minted at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa facility and released with a limited mintage of only 20,000 sets. This relatively low figure ensures strong demand among collectors, especially those who focus on Canadian maritime history, anniversaries, or numismatic firsts. Each set is packaged in an elegant black clamshell case with a magnetic clasp and enclosed within a black cardboard outer sleeve. The coins are displayed in a velvet-lined tray that cradles each piece securely, with the gilded Bluenose dime centrally placed. A bilingual, serialized certificate of authenticity accompanies the set, verifying its composition, specifications, and limited mintage.
The condition of the coins in this set is exemplary, as each piece is produced specifically for collectors and handled with care throughout the minting and packaging process. The sterling silver planchets retain their mirror finishes and frosted reliefs, while the gold plating remains vibrant and securely bonded to the surface. As long as the set is kept in its original packaging and stored away from direct sunlight and humidity, the coins will remain in pristine condition for generations. Many sets available on the secondary market remain in mint-state condition and, when submitted for grading, often receive top-tier certification such as PF69 or PF70.
The 2021 Bluenose Proof Set holds particular significance beyond its technical features. It commemorates a century since the schooner first launched and celebrates her enduring legacy in Canadian culture. The Bluenose not only served as a working fishing vessel but also dominated the International Fishermen’s Trophy races, never defeated in her class. Over time, she evolved into a national symbol, earning her place on Canada’s 10-cent coin for more than 80 years. This centennial set honors that legacy through art, metal, and memory, connecting collectors with a shared maritime past that continues to inspire pride and admiration.
The set is especially appealing to a wide range of collectors, including those focused on Canadian history, nautical themes, and iconic national imagery. The inclusion of the gilded Bluenose dime makes this proof set a standout within the Mint’s annual offerings, representing both an artistic achievement and a historical commemoration. As the only Canadian coin to have remained unchanged on circulating currency for decades, the Bluenose’s elevation to a gold-accented proof issue in 2021 marks a unique moment in its storied numismatic journey.
In conclusion, the 2021 Canada Proof Set Bluenose Gilded is a beautifully designed and historically meaningful tribute to one of Canada’s most enduring maritime icons. With its selective gold plating, low mintage, sterling silver composition, and impeccable proof finish, the set is both a collector's treasure and a fitting centennial celebration of the ship that came to symbolize Canadian resilience, craftsmanship, and pride. It stands as one of the most memorable modern issues from the Royal Canadian Mint, combining visual beauty with profound national heritage in a timeless numismatic form.