Canada 1979 silver dollar Griffon ship

The Canada 1979 Silver Dollar featuring the Griffon ship is a significant piece of Canadian numismatics, issued to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the first European settlement on the Great Lakes. The coin highlights the historical importance of the Griffon, a ship that played a pivotal role in the exploration and settlement of the Great Lakes region. In 1679, the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, launched the Griffon on its maiden voyage on Lake Erie. The ship was intended to help establish French influence in North America by facilitating trade and exploration along the Great Lakes. Although the Griffon famously disappeared without a trace in 1679, its legacy as the first European vessel to navigate the Great Lakes remains a defining chapter in Canadian and North American history. The 1979 Silver Dollar honors this piece of maritime history and commemorates the three-century milestone of the Griffon’s historic journey.

The history of the Canada 1979 Silver Dollar is intrinsically linked to the exploration of Canada and the broader North American continent. René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a prominent French explorer, was tasked with opening trade routes through the Great Lakes. His expedition in 1679, aboard the Griffon, marked the first time that a European ship had navigated the Great Lakes, helping to open the region to further exploration and settlement. The ship itself was an important technological and logistical advancement of the time, symbolizing French ambition and their strategic interest in controlling the fur trade. Although the Griffon was lost during its return trip, its legacy endures, marking a crucial point in the history of exploration and European colonization in North America. The 1979 Silver Dollar was minted to honor this historical milestone and to celebrate the Griffon’s role in Canadian history, highlighting the ship's importance to the early development of the fur trade and settlement along the Great Lakes.

The design of the Canada 1979 Silver Dollar is both elegant and historically significant, reflecting the importance of the Griffon in Canadian maritime history. The obverse of the coin features the traditional portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin. This portrait had been the standard effigy of the Queen used on Canadian coins since 1952, symbolizing Canada’s continued connection to the British monarchy. The inscription surrounding the Queen’s portrait reads “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA,” which translates to “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen.” This classic portrait represents the continuity of Canada’s constitutional monarchy and serves as a reminder of the Queen’s role as the ceremonial head of state in Canada. The obverse design, like other Canadian coins of this period, underscores the country’s historical ties to the British Crown, even as Canada continued to assert its independence as a sovereign nation.

The reverse of the coin prominently features an image of the Griffon ship in full sail, providing a dramatic representation of the vessel that helped shape the history of the Great Lakes region. The ship is depicted in motion, with its sails billowing in the wind, as it navigates the waters. The ship is presented in intricate detail, with the rigging, sails, and hull all clearly visible. The reverse design aims to capture the majesty and significance of the Griffon’s journey while reflecting the importance of maritime exploration in Canada’s early history. Surrounding the image of the Griffon are the inscriptions “CANADA,” “300TH ANNIVERSARY,” and “GRIFFON,” marking the occasion and emphasizing the historical context. The design was created by artist Robert-Ralph Carmichael, whose work on the coin beautifully brings to life the Griffon’s historical significance and reflects its place in Canadian heritage. The inclusion of the anniversary date “1679-1979” further anchors the coin in its commemorative purpose, celebrating three centuries of Canadian exploration and maritime history.

The Canada 1979 Silver Dollar was struck by the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa. The coin is made from 50% fine silver, which was a standard for Canadian silver dollars during this period. The coin weighs 23.33 grams and has a diameter of 36 millimeters, which aligns with the size and weight of other silver dollars issued by Canada. The Royal Canadian Mint, known for its high-quality coinage, ensured that the 1979 Silver Dollar was struck with excellent craftsmanship, with detailed and sharp design elements that brought the image of the Griffon to life. The use of fine silver in the coin’s composition gave it intrinsic value, while the intricate design and commemorative nature made it a desirable piece for collectors. The Mint’s attention to detail ensured that the coin would be appreciated both for its historical significance and for its visual appeal, making it a lasting tribute to the Griffon’s legacy in Canada.

The mintage of the Canada 1979 Silver Dollar Griffon was approximately 1,250,000 coins. This relatively high mintage ensured that the coin was accessible to collectors and the general public, allowing many Canadians to purchase a piece of history that commemorated the 300th anniversary of the Griffon’s voyage. The large mintage also helped to create widespread recognition and interest in the coin, making it one of the more commonly found commemorative silver dollars in Canadian collections. However, proof versions of the coin were produced in limited numbers and struck with a higher level of quality, featuring frosted details with mirror-like backgrounds. These proof versions are rarer than the regular circulating issues and are typically more valuable due to their superior finish and limited availability. The proof coins are highly sought after by collectors, as they represent the finest example of the coin’s design and craftsmanship.

The condition of the Canada 1979 Silver Dollar Griffon plays a significant role in determining its market value. Coins in higher grades, such as Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) or Almost Uncirculated (AU), are particularly desirable due to their sharp, well-defined design and the luster that they retain from the minting process. These coins exhibit minimal signs of wear and preserve the original mint finish, making them highly attractive to collectors. BU and AU coins tend to fetch higher premiums in the market, as they remain in pristine condition. In contrast, coins in lower grades, such as Very Fine (VF) or Fine (F), may show wear, especially on the design elements, with softer details and reduced luster. Although these coins have diminished visual appeal, they still retain their historical significance and can be valuable to collectors who focus on the importance of the coin itself, rather than its grade or condition.

The Canada 1979 Silver Dollar Griffon is a significant coin in Canadian numismatics, honoring the legacy of one of the most important ships in Canadian exploration. Its design, which features a detailed depiction of the Griffon in full sail, is a tribute to the ship’s role in the exploration of the Great Lakes and the broader history of Canada’s maritime and trade routes. The coin’s silver content, mintage, and historical significance make it an important piece for collectors and a cherished memento for anyone interested in Canadian history. The coin continues to be highly regarded within the numismatic community, with its connection to the Griffon’s legacy making it a timeless tribute to one of the key moments in Canada’s early history.

In conclusion, the Canada 1979 Silver Dollar Griffon is a beautiful and meaningful piece of Canadian coinage that celebrates the 300th anniversary of the Griffon’s historic journey. The coin’s striking design, composed of fine silver and crafted with high attention to detail, reflects both the beauty of the ship and its historical importance in Canada’s development. The mintage and condition of the coin play important roles in determining its value, with higher-grade specimens commanding premium prices. Whether in BU, AU, or lower grades, the 1979 Silver Dollar Griffon remains a valuable and historically significant collectible, representing a key moment in the history of Canada’s exploration and maritime achievements.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1979
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A