2008 $15 STERLING SILVER VIGNETTES OF ROYALTY HIGH RELIEF SERIES - QUEEN VICTORIA (1ST COIN IN SERIES)

This series begins with Britain's longest reigning monarch; the woman who was the inspiration behind Britain's Victorian Era of rapid industrialization, tremendous accumulation of national wealth and imperialism. Although coins with Queen Victoria's effigy were issued for the Province of Canada in 1858 and 1859, this crowned portrait appeared on the 1-, 25- and 50-cent coins that were issued between 1870 and 1901.

The art form once reserved for wealthy aristocrats can now be enjoyed with this remarkable coin series featuring the effigies of five monarchs that have appeared on Canada's circulation coins. Each effigy is struck in ultra high relief reminiscent of ancient medallic art. Canada did not always produce its coins domestically.

Until the Royal Canadian Mint opened in 1908, Canadian coins were imported from overseas. Even then, the designs and tools remained the domain of the Royal Mint in London while the Canadian facility operated as its Ottawa branch. This began to change in 1930 when the Mint became a wholly owned Canadian institution.

Specifications:
Face Value: 15 dollars
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 30
Diameter (mm): 36.15
Edge: Plain
Finish: Frosted relief on a proof-like field

Special Features:
A MINT FIRST! Double-effigy coin (reverse and obverse). A RARITY! Each featured effigy is struck in the ultra high relief long associated with ancient medallic art. HANDCRAFTED ARTISTRY! These magnificent coins are individually hand-polished and quadruple struck. Slight inconsistencies in the quality of the surface are normal for this ultra-high relief process. Designs approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Low mintage only 10,000 coins (each) worldwide! A unique showcase of effigies from the monarchy that will appear on five coins to be released over three years including 2008 Queen Victoria, 2008 King Edward VII, 2008 King George V, 2009 King George VI and 2009 Queen Elizabeth II.

Packaging:
Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.