2016 PROOF SILVER DOLLAR 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRANSATLANTIC CABLE

On July 27, 1866, a new era of global communication began as S.S. Great Eastern steamed into Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, to complete a link that could relay messages quickly between the Old World and the New. This fine silver proof dollar commemorates the 150th anniversary of that transatlantic telegraph cable, which revolutionized communications while transforming Newfoundland into an international communication hub.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Mintage: 20,000
Weight (g): 23.17
Diameter (mm): 36.07
Face Value: $1
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Packaging: Maroon clamshell with black beauty box

SPECIAL FEATURES

• A proud tradition continues with the 57th issue of the popular collectible! The proof dollar is a time-honoured, numismatic tradition and has been among the Royal Canadian Mint’s best-selling coins every year since 1937!
• A historic turning point that helped shape our modern world! The timeless design commemorates the 150th anniversary of the transatlantic cable, which ushered in a new era and transformed Newfoundland into a global communications hub.
• History meets artistry through skillful rendering! With a strong emphasis on historical accuracy, this engraved depiction of S.S. Great Eastern in Heart’s Content, Newfoundland is magnificently detailed and stands as a testament to the expert skill and craftsmanship of Royal Canadian Mint engravers.
• Powerfully symbolic: Linking one continent to the other, the telegraph cable route itself is represented on the reverse.

DESIGN
The reverse design by Canadian marine artist Yves Bérubé features a starboard side view of S.S. Great Eastern as the iron steamship triumphantly rests in the harbour of Heart’s Content, Newfoundland. Painstakingly engraved in exceptional detail, the Great Eastern easily dwarfs a local gaff-rigged fishing boat (known as a Jack Boat) off her bow, while her four funnels and six masts rise up to fill the upper portion of the reverse. In the background, the picturesque fishing village and the rolling hills that surround Trinity Bay are a welcome sight, signalling the end of one journey for the crew after spending weeks laying the transatlantic cable along the North Atlantic seabed. This historic cable linking Heart’s Content to Valentia Island, Ireland, is illustrated on the map element that fills reverse’s lower portion. Fittingly, the cable itself is represented on the map.