Canadian Silver Dollars Commemorative War of 1812 Bicentennial

The Royal Canadian Mint has struck three unique 2012 Silver Dollars celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 in which Canada played an integral part. The commemorative coins are available in proof, brilliant and gold-plated finishes with each struck from 99.99% pure silver.

Today, the War of 1812 is thought by many to have been a struggle only between the United States and Britain. However, Canada, at that time a part of the British Empire, played an important role in the conflict as did its colonists and First Nations. Canadians were called upon on many occasions to defend their interests as American forces sought to establish a foothold in the region. Uniting together, the English, French-Canadian and First Nations forces of Canada banded together with a common interest.

"Honoring the bicentennial of the War of 1812 with this special collector coin pays tribute to some of our greatest national heroes and a crucial moment on the road to Canadian nationhood," said the Honorable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint.

"The Government of Canada encourages Canadians to take the unprecedented opportunity in 2012 to learn more about our history and take pride in our traditions".

Since the end of the War, the United States, Great Britain and Canada have come to be the strongest of allies.

Designs and Specifications for War of 1812 Bicentennial Silver Dollars

Each of the bicentennial Silver Dollars are composed of .9999 fine silver and feature a diameter of 36.07 mm. Each of the coins have a total weight of 23.17 grams.

Shown on their reverses is a design by Ardell Bourgeois. It depicts the trio of a British sergeant, a Voltigeur Canadian and an Iroquois warrior wearing historically accurate uniforms as their common interests bonded them together to protect their borders. Over the design are the inscriptions of "CANADA DOLLAR" and "1812-2012."

The commemorative coins are struck as legal tender of Canada and feature the face value of CAN $1. Shown on the obverse of each strike is the Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Surrounding her image are the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II" and "D G REGINA."

Each is encapsulated and presented in a maroon flock-lined clamshell case. This case is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity indicating the maximum mintage of each finish.

According to the Royal Canadian Mint, the War of 1812 Proof Silver Dollar will feature a maximum mintage of just 25,000. The brilliant finish coin has a maximum mintage of 40,000. Both silver dollars are available now directly from the Royal Canadian Mint website at www.mint.ca. The proof coin is being sold for CAD $59.95 and the brilliant coin is CAD $54.95. A gold-plated version is also available within the Mint’s 2012 Fine Silver Proof Set for $224.95. The set has a stated mintage of 20,000.