The Royal Canadian Mint is marking the 150th anniversary of the Library of Parliament with two new collector coins: a $200 pure gold issue and a $20 fine silver coin struck in ultra high relief.
Opened in Ottawa in 1876, the Library is the only surviving portion of the original Centre Block on Parliament Hill. It escaped the 1916 fire that destroyed the main building, aided by its separation from Centre Block and iron doors that were closed as the blaze spread.
The new coins, released Sept. 1, present contrasting views of the landmark, with one focused on its ornate interior and the other on its distinctive Gothic Revival exterior.
$200 Pure Gold Coin
Canadian artist John Mantha designed the reverse of the $200 Pure Gold Coin – 150th Anniversary of the Library of Parliament.
Its composition places the viewer inside the circular reading room, beginning with the white marble statue of Queen Victoria and drawing the eye upward toward the Library’s vaulted ceiling and dome. Architectural details and bookcases surround the scene.
The proof coin is struck in 99.99% pure gold, weighs 15.43 grams and measures 29 millimeters in diameter. It has a serrated edge and a mintage of 800.
The Royal Canadian Mint prices the coin at $4,109.95 CAD.
$20 Silver Coin in Ultra High Relief
Canadian artist Tony Bianco designed the companion $20 silver coin, which presents the Library from behind Centre Block.
Ultra high relief gives added prominence to the octagonal structure and its dome, while selective color highlights autumn foliage surrounding the building. An open book near the bottom carries the anniversary dates 1876 and 2026.
Struck in a proof finish, the coin contains one ounce of 99.99% pure silver, weighs 31.39 grams and measures 36.15 millimeters in diameter. It has a plain edge.
Mintage is limited to 4,500 coins, with each priced at $249.95 CAD.
Both anniversary coins carry the Canadian effigy of King Charles III by artist Steven Rosati.
Earlier Library of Parliament Coins
The Library has appeared on Canadian collector coins before. A 1976 silver dollar featured the building during its centennial year, while the Mint returned to the subject in 2016 with its first concave coin, featuring the Library’s vaulted ceiling.
Ordering Information
The coins can be ordered at Mint.ca or by calling the Royal Canadian Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada or 1-800-268-6468 in the United States. They are also available at the Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, participating Canada Post outlets, and through its network of dealers and distributors.
