Canadian 2012 Calgary Stampede 100th Anniversary Silver Coins

A century of rodeo fun is celebrated by the Royal Canadian Mint with the release of proof 2012 Calgary Stampede silver coins in 1 ounce and 5 ounce sizes.

Both silver coins, one denominated in $50 and the other a silver dollar, commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Calgary Stampede in 1912 and the prestigious annual event it has become today.

The Calgary Stampede started off as an idea from working cowboy and trick roper Guy Weadick. In 1912, he convinced four local ranchers to help him produce the first "Frontier Days and Cowboy Championship Contest." It went on to become the Calgary Stampede of today. The rodeo is touted as "the greatest outdoor show on earth." Attendance at the event routinely exceeds one million.

Designs on Silver Coins

Not surprising, a scene from the rodeo is shown on the reverses of the anniversary silver coins.

For the $50, or 5 ounce proof coin, an image by Canadian artist Michelle Grant depicts a bucking bronco ridden by a brave bareback cowboy. The design is offered to immortalize a legendary horse named Grated Coconut. The horse is proven a star with six Bareback Horse of the Year awards. Also shown on the reverse is an example of the elaborate scrollwork found on the trophy saddle of Flores Ladue, wife of Stampede founder Guy Weadick.

The trademark "CS" of the Stampede is found at the bottom of the design along with an inscription of 100 YEARS near the top. Additional reverse inscriptions include CANADA, 2012 and 50 DOLLARS.

For the silver dollar, or 1 ounce proof coin, artist Steve Hepburn designed a scene featuring a powerful horse as it advances on the viewer, kicking up a cloud of dust and dirt as the cowboy battles for control. "Calgary Stampede" is inscribed in Western typeface to offer the feel of an old-time rodeo poster. Additional inscriptions include "Dollar," "2012," and "CANADA."

As legal tender of Canada, both silver coins have an obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The portrait is surrounded by the inscriptions of ELIZABETH II and D G REGINA.

Coin Specifications

The Royal Canadian Mint strikes each Calgary Stampede silver coin from 99.99% pure silver. The $50 coin has a weight of 157.6 grams and a diameter of 65 mm while the silver dollar has a weight of 23.17 grams and a diameter of 36.07 mm.

Order Information, Prices and Mintages

A maximum mintage has been established at 1,500 coins for the largest strike and 10,000 for the smaller one. Their respective prices are $495.95 and $69.95.

Each anniversary coin comes encapsulated and placed in a Royal Canadian Mint branded black clamshell case.

For more information or to make a coin purchase, visit the Royal Canadian Mint website at http://www.mint.ca/. Also check out the Calgary Stampede at http://www.calgarystampede.com/.