The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted to have twice earned global recognition for its coin manufacturing excellence and innovation by winning the Best Commemorative Silver Coin and the Best Collaboration coin awards of the 2025 Mint Directors Conference (MDC).
The Mint was first recognized for its 2024 $50 Pure Silver Coin – Year of the Dragon, a new technical achievement that enhances the relief of a stunning Wood Dragon design to an impressive height of 4.7 mm on the reverse and created a rear view of the dragon in an equally impressive obverse relief. As well, our partnership with the Department of Chemistry at Montreal’s McGill University, to develop a more environmentally responsible gold refining process, was recognized as the global minting industry’s best collaboration.
The 2025 MDC is host to the prestigious Coin Awards, recognizing industry achievements in the design, production, packaging, and distribution of commemorative and circulating coins worldwide.
"The Royal Canadian Mint is passionate about innovating to keep demonstrating the excellence and artistry of our world-famous coin products, as well as the sustainability of our processes," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "To be recognized in two award categories by the Mint Directors Conference judges is a tremendous peer endorsement of our commitment to finding new ways to delight our customers while finding more caring and sustainable ways to continue leading the global minting community."
Designed by Canadian artist Simon Ng, our award-winning pure silver coin celebrates the Year of the Wood Dragon through an elaborate Extraordinarily High Relief (EHR) engraving of a dragon, the fifth sign in the Chinese Zodiac. Framed by a laser-engraved pattern that represents the wood element, the dragon is shown moving among the clouds of a night sky illuminated by the moon, its tail coiled to form the shape of lucky number 8. A rear view of that same scene is rendered in EHR on the obverse. Above the obverse engraving appears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, accompanied by a special device of four pearls symbolizing her four different effigies to have graced Canadian coins, as well as the double date of her reign.
The goal of the Mint’s work with McGill University is to transform gold refining by replacing the longstanding Miller Chlorination process, which relies on the injection of chlorine gas to separate impurities from molten gold. Our collaboration has, at a lab scale, resulted in a process that virtually eliminates chlorine gas by introducing an acoustic mechanochemical process to catalyze a chemical reaction with a mild reagent. The process, which yields pure gold in soluble form is non-toxic and less energy-intensive, and is safer for people and the environment.
This innovation builds on previous work done by the Mint in 2019 to reduce chlorine use in its gold refining operations. At that time, the Mint introduced acid-less separation (ALS) technology, that reduced the use of chlorine gas by more than 50% in the Ottawa refinery.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.
Now that’s an intriguing coin design! Sometimes, our northern neighbors hit a home run, IMHO.
Yep. I can’t see stacking those babies.
Agreed; that would be a mighty wobbly stack! No Genja playing with these!
Funny stuff.
Or if slabbed an extra thick custom slab! I once got a Catherine the Great copper 5 Kopek and I think they had to do a thicker slab for that. This one looks way thicker. I wonder if this is considered Ultra High Relief. 🙂
IDK. It’s a strange juxtaposition to have the Queen’s effigy in an oval on the obverse which shows the Chinese astrological dragon’s reverse or backside (not to mention being two years after her reign). Also strange to show an oval moon on the reverse side, which has the dragon’s front. Perhaps if the Queen was riding the dragon Daenerys Targaryen-style (like in Game of Thrones) ….
Like the Dragon Queen?
But the Dragon Lady of Britain was PM Maggie Thatcher…
aka The Iron Lady
Anyone plan to join the WitterBrick Golden Gate Edition today at 4 p.m. PST?
@Antonio, I took a look at it not knowing what it was. Seems similar in concept to VaultBox. I didn’t login so I couldn’t figure out how much they were going for, but I thought it was outside of my price range. Thanks for pointing it out though.
$7500 for a box of three or four coins. None looked worth the price from what I saw. The bidders were trusting that their box would come up with the coveted coin like a 1907 wire rim St. Gaudens.
Meat design….spell fix I said NEAT design…
Quick post I was wondering what it weighed2oz?
Buy 2024 Canada Silver $50 Year of the Dragon EHR | APMEX
selling on eBay for about $500
Thanks Major! Wow pricey but nice, surprising USM didn’t try to make Superman’s “package” 3D and pop off his tights, just saying….
Q., you’re on fire! I never knew the Man of Steel could be so naughty (and funny).
See other posts, please.
I’m breaking my post in two as it is awaiting approval.
I found it. The Great White Whale. It seems legit. What say ye board? Should I pull the trigger?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/176645879701?_skw=1861-D&itmmeta=01JTA71701A99ACGDZSBX1V8MA&hash=item2920ea3795:g:qM8AAOSwCmJnGxus&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1e4Z%2FdJMubJ%2BPUz9cRfBQQKy1FjvlxB9YPTXo81zIxw2bRi7zEWVovOGxScFWQXUSpGHx0JhHjfi3MY7FzekUWJo9lEtcFOCC%2B5nR%2FnmCpaJXpU0qtYDvyVrSoCAW7vYCLVRo%2FDkBnQXjuvFaUTUR8jQwpnAc7ApLcj01%2BCoFxONCpkJFy5%2FuQh4pWD0Jpr0Rq3w3wpIuapIbk5vakxyDXeSDp772OAYrWBR5opSPNaJG%2FKi1m0Bwjoepn19btdFuEJ7F%2Fjm49gSzG7PMHfQbYN%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5bwhMfSZQ
Option 2 is a nicer coin and appears to be priced fairly for the grade.
.https://www.ebay.com/itm/205059633333?_skw=1861-D&itmmeta=01JTA71701F0BVFS1YRRVJAPX5&hash=item2fbe81b0b5:g:ZrEAAOSwIMRnGYdQ&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1c5qd6e55Y%2FKtbmijg%2BZHxIlC2jYHGKW%2FfMbT5W7z%2FH3M6cd%2FvHlpuVL8Dv6xy683egl%2BKPOk98N9IFnJtsbt9baSl%2B5JgGTirWzNuMaSQW1llr%2BpACjOUi%2BM5%2BW4OLi60apgqVJklOfc%2FnoghJMpNDzP7f9XX4JbHJ2UKfzhzy%2FNYwktUrCMzpzyAyqjVdxyBPSmQ8qLJxZXyfh1KrCry%2Fw99fpyELYYQ0%2BO6KMl4Qgbic4REfD8bJuhIoUy%2BYUXoQjFhGiHV0LQ4ctPp4bKw%2B%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5bwhMfSZQ
Thoughts on the two coins? Wheel and deal or run away?
REB: The AU58 coin is the obvious choice, best coin available. The lesser coin, though very rare, is simply ugly in my opinion. Ultimately its your money, but the AU58 is a once in a lifetime…..
I agree with HarryB. AU 58 is the one to choose between the two. But at $156k, it seems a bit high. That price should be for a MS-62. Let us know what you decide.
It is done and the Dahlonega first-year/last-year collection will be complete in the next couple of weeks. And the winner is … the AU 58. I spoke with the Rare Coin Wholesalers president this afternoon. He seemed like a pretty good guy. We agreed to a bottom line for him and a top line for me that was significantly better than the published prices. It was a refreshingly smooth transaction. Thanks again for the lead, ECG. I may return to these guys again for the 1854-S dollar, the 1793 cent, and the 1870 and 1893 Carson City dollars (though some… Read more »
A hearty congratulations REB…..a great collecting approach….firsts and lasts….
Thanks HarryB.
Congratulations!!! Glad it worked out. Awesome coin to add to your collection. Cheers!
Again, I point to you as a facilitator in this process, ECG. Many thanks to HarryB and you for your input and help.
Wow REB, just wow!
That’s a Whale of a coin alright, the 1861-D $5 in AU58!
It meets and exceeds all of the Rarity stats, less than 100 coins are all that’s left. It’s a nice looking coin with great color. Congratulations REB!
That’s it! Thanks, Rick. I’m amazed I nabbed one so quickly. I thought I’d be at it for years. I suppose I have. I visited Dahlonega about a decade ago. But, I only got serious about hunting the coins in the last year or so. The next whale will likely be the 1793 cent. I’ve had a couple of 1854-S coins slip through my grasp. I’ve pondered the Carson City half eagles, but when I think about that mint, I think about silver. So, I’ll likely chase the 1870 & 1893 dollars. I’m still considering my 1906 Denver coin. P.S.… Read more »
Wow, nice all my Ds are Denver! It’s the kind of Au I prefer, minimum contacts and light wear….
Buffalo burger$ for all….
Congrats @REB. I will have to live vicariously through you. You piqued my interest Dahlonega Mint. I found a PCGS page for Dahlonega type set. I guess your first year 1838-D is quite popular among type set collectors, but your 1861-D is quite unique. Cheers!
Thanks, VinnieC.
If you ever get a chance, check out Dahlonega, Georgia. The town is small and quaint. The Mint building burned down but an interesting museum is in the old courthouse. They have a complete collection of Dahlonega coins there. The bricks of the courthouse were made locally. They have flecks of gold in them. When the sun is shining, the building appears to twinkle.
By the way, the coin is cheaper at the dealers site vs eBay. https://www.rarecoinwholesalers.com/1861-d-liberty-5-au58-sku-142351
ECG, thank you and HarryB for your input and the dealer’s site link. I agree with you both that the AU 58 is the better coin. I may call them and see what I can shake it loose for. Everything’s negotiable (unless it’s not). We shall see.
I can’t even entertain the idea of buying such a coin, beautiful though it may be. Congratulations on being able to consider this purchase as a reality. I hope you get it!
The problem with a ‘Great White Whale’ want in your (or anyone’s) life is what will inspire you after it has been accomplished or procured. $132-$156k isn’t a fortune, but it’s not chump change either, so just make sure your mind will be happy with a coin graded less than MS. BTW, I absolutely love that reverse design of the eagle. Cheers
Excellent observation, Craig. I think I will be content if I get it. After all, I’m perfectly happy with the rest of my first-year/last-year collection, including my maybe Fine grade level New Orleans dimes and the counterstruck 1838-C. Also, I’ve become increasingly fond of my 1836-D Columbia Sesqui commem with the holder “toning”. She’s ragged but I don’t ever think I’d replace her.
I, too, love that reverse eagle. I wish the Mint would bring that one back.
I was at some coin show and heard dealers talking about one of the customers collecting AU58 coins over MS60-MS62). I guess trading some wear for less dings. I agree with @Craig for that price decide what you really want. Isn’t the eagle on the reverse the same as the seated liberty reverse? I have some 1953 arrows and rays quarters and halves and they look very similar.
Never mind the wings are different on the Dahlonega gold coin. Still I like them both.
Now you’ve got me looking through the Dahlonega that I can’t afford. :-)
Reb, the 58 is centered and has much better details. The 55 seems to be struck slightly off center and the dentils seem to be missing at the top of the obverse due to being struck off center. I agree with ECG. I always check to see if ebay sellers have a website. When they do, you can usually get a much better deal, especially on an item at this price. I can’t imagine what the Bay fees would be in this. If I had the money and this coin on my wantlist, the 58 is the clear choice. You… Read more »
Thanks for the input, sharks. I wonder if the quality of the strike has to do with WHEN the coins might have been struck. 1861 coins were struck before and after Georgia withdrew from the Union. I have read that the Confederate strikes were worse than their earlier counterparts. The AU 58 might have been an early coin minted at Dahlonega and the AU 55 might have been a product of the secession mint.
@Reb – After looking up some info on the Dahlonega mint, technically all of the 1861 coins were produced when it was under confederate control. All 1861 coins were produced by the same mint employees on the payroll prior to secession. Georgia seceded in January 1861. There were 1597 half Eagles produced in February 1861 and reported to the Philly mint. Approximately 1600-1700 more were produced later in the year by the same mint employees. These were not reported to Philly. Gold dollars were also produced but not reported. This info is from Lester’s “A Brief History of the United… Read more »
Hmm … so the universe of potential 1861-D half eagles was TWICE the reported mintage? Interestingly, the universe of survivors, according to the experts, numbers 100 or less. The workmanship at Dahlonega appears generally solid. I think the quality of the coins is better than Charlotte’s. At the coin show in the Queen City, I saw several “ghost” C gold coins where the mint mark was almost invisible. The D strike appears sharp by comparison. I’ve been perusing “The Neighborhood Mint” of late. It’s a fun read with plenty of information about the men who worked at the Dahlonega Mint.… Read more »
Uh nice but I lost $190k in Vega$ yesterday…
That could’ve bought a lot of FHG Privies from Ventris, oh well lol
She has the in he bay! Seller ID IwasQueenB
Gold:Silver ratio closed @ 101:1
For new Mint releases of circulating quality coins, does anyone have a quality preference for rolls vs bags? I understand that both are done through automated processes, so do you stand a better shot of getting some mark-free coins in one vs. the other? Has anyone opened up and gone through bags and rolls to compare? I ask this primarily with the upcoming Kennedy Half release in mind but have also wondered about AWQ, AI$ and NA$.
Major D, there is no jostling around in the rolls during shipping. The coins in the bags bounce and slide around during shipping which can make marks. Sometimes the bags don’t move much if they add enough packing material. The rolls come with the risk of wrapping marks on the end coins. Sometimes the metal wrapping arm that curls the ends will dig into the end coins and pretty much destroy any collector value of these 1 or 2 coins. Each packaging has its drawbacks. I’ve gotten both in the past, so it probably comes down more to your preference… Read more »
I checked the 2024 box of half dollars I got last month and 10 of the 50 rolls had 1 end coin with wrapper marks. This is a small sample from one company wrapping coins (Loomis), but this is a 20% sample with 1 end coin damaged by the wrapping equipment. The US mint wrapping equipment would most likely have a similar percentage of end coins damaged. I’d put the chance of getting a roll with a damaged end coin in the 15%-25% range. The type of coins being wrapped by the machine could also impact whether or not the… Read more »
Thanks for your insight sharks2th. I’m wondering, any chance the equipment also damages the interior coins inserted into the rolls? I’m not familiar with the equipment used and how it grabs the coins to insert but I imagine everything gets dirty and worn after a certain amount of use. Like with coins being inserted into proof lenses, where I’ve had a fair amount of Mint-bought proof sets with marks from the grabbers. As for the bags, I realize you can get marks from the coins hitting against each other, but is there less grabbing and touching by the equipment to… Read more »
If you have gotten circulation rolls, those can contain coins that were once on the end of a roll. I’ve never seen the gouged coins internal to a roll of all new coins. There is apparently a metal curved flange that takes the edge of the paper and rolls it as the roll of coins spins, wrapping the end tightly. You can see how they are wrapped when you unroll the end. The first Pic shows different coins with the wrapping/rolling/end crimping machine damage. The second Pic is a circulated quarter that got rolled and cut years after being in… Read more »
Quarter rolling damage
Crowded Trades… In CY2025 one of Wall Street’s most crowded trades is buying GLD. GLD is Up 23.1% YTD. The upcoming crowded trade is Shorting GLD and then going Long SLV. Short Gold and Long Silver. Why the trade? Since GLD and SLV started trading simultaneously, the GLD:SLV ratio is in the 98.85 percentile. Just during Covid and tariff turmoil has Gold:Silver ratio exceeded 100:1. Currently 101:1 ($3,241.60: $31.96) These are the mechanics of the trade: Let’s say we want to put $100,000 at work. Go Long 3434 shares of SLV @ $29.12 ~($99,998) and then simultaneously go Short… Read more »
Cag: nice scenario examples, a teaching moment. I personally do not see physical gold dipping that low or silver up to those levels, but fun to consider such events.
Thanks for the interesting information on GLD and SLV trades and possible scenarios for gold & silver prices and the gold:silver ratio. The premise “Gold:Silver ratio drops from today’s 101:1 to let’s say 80:1” is supported by predictions from some industry observers that the gold:silver ratio will drop in 2025. For example, here are two supportive gold and silver price forecasts for Q4 2025 (Source: “Precious Metal Price Forecasts 2025: Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium,” BullionVault, 2/13/2025): Consensus LBMA Analysts’ Forecast for the average silver price in Q4 2025 ~ $32.86 per ounce and average gold price in Q4 2025… Read more »
that $70+ pop in Au today could make the shorts sheet in their shorts….. Ag laggard…
god do I hate auto correct chipmunks
Watch out! The superheroes are coming! Last night’s news segment on Saturday Night Live had a mention of the Superman coin. That’s millions of viewers that got notice. Wonder how that shout-out will affect sales?
Not a tinkle I think, these coins are fuguly and very pricey, with GLD smashing records whose buying topless SuperChippendales Dancer,coins….. profit easy by 2200
“SuperChippendales Dancer,coins”
You’re cracking me up, Q.!
And a special Dehongehla issue auto correct left alone. That thought hit me WTF was they thinking real POS
In my above scenario concerning Shorting GLD and going Long SLV. Each and Every month you will Lose ~$1,000.00 regardless of whether you are positive or negative on your trade.
~$1,000.00 Each and Every month.
You better Hope the Short on GLD works…
Today short could be tomorrow’s margin call….
Essentially