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The Canada $25 Silver Proof Coin issued in 2017 featuring the Great Seal of Canada is a masterfully crafted tribute to one of the nation's most enduring symbols of constitutional authority and heritage. Struck in .9999 fine silver by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin was released to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, offering a numismatic representation of the Great Seal that has served as the official imprimatur of the Canadian state since its creation. Through meticulous design, historical reverence, and flawless execution, the 2017 $25 silver coin honors the regal and legal traditions that have shaped Canada's identity over a century and a half.
The reverse design of the coin is based on the modern Great Seal of Canada, which is used to signify the formal approval of the monarch on official state documents. Sculptor and engraver Cathy Bursey-Sabourin faithfully rendered the seal’s imagery in high relief, capturing the full depth and intricacy of its design. At the center sits an enthroned Queen Elizabeth II in ceremonial regalia, holding the orb and scepter—symbols of sovereign authority. She is surrounded by a medieval-style architectural frame, reminiscent of a stone cathedral, which includes a lion, unicorn, maple leaves, and Tudor roses. These details emphasize Canada’s roots in British constitutional monarchy while also incorporating distinctly Canadian symbols.
The raised imagery is highly detailed and sculptural in effect, replicating the dimensional qualities of an actual seal. The background is subtly frosted, providing contrast to the brilliant polish of the central motifs. Around the border of the reverse are inscriptions in both English and French, reading “THE GREAT SEAL OF CANADA” and “LE GRAND SCEAU DU CANADA,” affirming the nation’s official bilingualism. The artistry of the coin is not just decorative but deeply symbolic, embodying legal continuity, royal assent, and the permanence of the Canadian federation.
On the obverse, the coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II as rendered by Susanna Blunt. This portrait has been the standard on Canadian coinage since 2003 and depicts the Queen without a crown, symbolizing a more modern and approachable monarch. The inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “D.G. REGINA,” the denomination “25 DOLLARS,” and the year “2017” encircle the image. The obverse is struck with a brilliant proof finish that complements the high relief of the reverse, maintaining consistency with the Royal Canadian Mint’s highest production standards.
The coin is struck from one troy ounce of .9999 fine silver, with a diameter of 36 mm and a nominal face value of $25 CAD. While its legal tender status is ceremonial—its market value is determined by metal content and collector demand—the coin carries the authority of the Canadian government. The Royal Canadian Mint struck only 6,000 of these coins, reinforcing its status as a low-mintage collectible and a prestigious addition to any collection of Canadian constitutional or historical-themed numismatics.
Each 2017 Great Seal of Canada silver coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon Royal Canadian Mint clamshell case, with a black beauty box and serialized certificate of authenticity. The packaging reflects the solemnity and prestige of the coin’s subject, making it suitable for both personal display and long-term archival storage. The coin’s proof finish, combined with its ultra-high relief and intricate engraving, makes it particularly sensitive to handling, and it is therefore recommended to remain in its capsule to preserve its pristine condition.
The Great Seal of Canada, which the coin commemorates, has its origins in British colonial practice and is used to give royal assent to government documents such as commissions, proclamations, and letters patent. Since Confederation in 1867, Canada has had several versions of the Great Seal, each reflecting the reigning monarch. The current version, reflected in this 2017 coin, was introduced in 1955 and is used exclusively in legal matters requiring the monarch’s official approval. The seal itself is held by the Governor General as the monarch’s representative in Canada and is applied only to the most significant acts of state.
Collectors of this coin are drawn not only to its striking aesthetics but also to its deep political and historical significance. It appeals to those interested in royal iconography, constitutional law, and the visual language of authority. Its release during Canada’s 150th anniversary year adds another layer of importance, situating the coin within a broader narrative of national reflection and pride. The combination of fine silver, high relief engraving, limited mintage, and symbolic richness makes the 2017 Great Seal of Canada coin one of the more dignified commemorative issues in recent Royal Canadian Mint history.
In terms of condition, nearly all examples of the coin remain in pristine proof state, as they were intended for collectors and distributed in protective packaging. The fine surfaces, sharp reliefs, and mirrored fields are typically untouched, resulting in strong secondary market demand. Coins that have been professionally graded by services like NGC or PCGS often receive high grades such as PF69 or PF70, indicating virtually flawless quality. As time progresses, this coin is likely to retain its desirability due to its subject matter and limited release.
In conclusion, the 2017 Canada $25 Silver Proof Coin Great Seal of Canada is a regal and intricately executed commemorative piece that honors one of the most enduring symbols of the Canadian state. Its detailed rendering of Queen Elizabeth II enthroned, paired with fine silver content, low mintage, and superior proof finish, makes it both a work of art and a historical emblem. Whether acquired as a patriotic keepsake, a royal tribute, or a standout piece in a themed collection, this coin represents the highest levels of Canadian numismatic craftsmanship and the constitutional legacy it celebrates.