Canada 1982 silver dollar Regina

The Canada 1982 Silver Dollar, issued to commemorate the city of Regina, is an important piece in Canadian numismatics, capturing both the historical significance and beauty of one of the country's central cities. Regina, the capital of the province of Saskatchewan, has a rich cultural history that spans back to its founding in 1882. Originally named after Queen Victoria, the city of Regina plays a central role in the story of Canada's development, particularly in the context of the settlement and expansion of the western provinces. In 1982, Canada celebrated Regina’s centennial as a city, marking 100 years since its official incorporation. The 1982 Silver Dollar was issued to commemorate this milestone, recognizing the growth of the city from its humble beginnings to its present-day status as an important political, cultural, and economic hub in Saskatchewan.

Regina’s history is tied to the broader story of the settlement and development of the Canadian Prairies. The city was originally established as a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the mid-19th century and was selected as the capital of the newly created North-West Territories in 1882. Regina’s location, situated in the heart of the Canadian Prairies, made it an important center for the fur trade and later for agriculture, which played a key role in Canada’s economic development. Over the course of the 20th century, Regina grew steadily, becoming a focal point for the province’s political, commercial, and cultural activities. The city's connection to the Canadian Pacific Railway, along with its rich agricultural base, helped solidify its role as a central figure in the western provinces of Canada. The centennial of Regina in 1982 marked an opportunity to reflect on the city’s historical importance and its place in the development of Canada as a whole. The coin was issued to honor the city’s vibrant past and the continued role it plays in Saskatchewan’s cultural and economic landscape.

The design of the Canada 1982 Silver Dollar Regina captures both the city’s historical importance and its modern significance. The obverse of the coin features the traditional portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin. This portrait, which has been used on Canadian coinage since the Queen’s ascension to the throne in 1952, symbolizes Canada’s constitutional monarchy and the country’s ties to the British Crown. The portrait of the Queen is surrounded by the inscription “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA,” which translates to “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen,” affirming her role as the ceremonial head of state of Canada. This portrait serves as a reminder of the monarchy’s longstanding influence in Canada while also emphasizing the continuity of the nation’s leadership throughout its development.

The reverse of the coin is where the true commemoration of Regina’s centennial comes to life. The design on the reverse showcases a depiction of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina, a key symbol of the city and the province. The legislative building, completed in 1912, is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most recognized landmarks in the city. It stands as a symbol of the provincial government’s strength and stability. The design highlights the neoclassical architecture of the building, with its grand dome and detailed columns, representing the city’s political importance. The reverse design also includes the inscription “CANADA,” “REGINA,” “CENTENNIAL,” and “1982,” clearly marking the centenary of the city’s founding and establishing the coin’s commemorative purpose. The intricate design was created by artist Pierre Leduc, whose attention to detail captures the elegance and historical significance of the Legislative Building as the centerpiece of Regina’s political landscape.

The Canada 1982 Silver Dollar Regina was struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, which is known for its exceptional coin production quality. The coin was made from 50% fine silver, with a total weight of 23.33 grams and a diameter of 36 millimeters, which is consistent with the size of other Canadian silver dollars produced during this time period. The Royal Canadian Mint’s expertise in minting is evident in the fine details of the coin’s design, from the sharpness of the Queen’s portrait to the clarity of the Legislative Building’s architectural features. The silver content of the coin ensures that it has intrinsic value, making it appealing to collectors and investors who appreciate both the commemorative and precious metal aspects of the coin. The Royal Canadian Mint used its advanced techniques to strike the coin with precision, ensuring that it would be a lasting testament to the centennial of Regina.

The mintage of the Canada 1982 Silver Dollar Regina was 2,600,000 coins. This relatively high mintage ensured that the coin was widely available to the public, allowing a large number of Canadians to purchase a piece of history that celebrated the centennial of Regina. The coin’s availability was not limited to collectors in Canada; international buyers also sought out the coin as a symbol of Regina’s importance. In addition to the regular circulation issue, the Royal Canadian Mint also produced a proof version of the coin. Proof coins are struck with a higher level of detail and have a polished, mirror-like finish that distinguishes them from regular circulating coins. The proof version of the coin was produced in smaller quantities and is more highly sought after by collectors due to its superior finish and limited availability. These proof versions command a premium in the marketplace and are highly prized by collectors seeking the highest-quality examples of the coin.

The condition of the Canada 1982 Silver Dollar Regina is an important factor in determining its value. Coins that have been well-preserved, particularly those in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) or Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition, are highly desirable for their sharp design details and vibrant luster. These coins retain the full brilliance that they had when they left the Mint and are considered to be in excellent condition. BU and AU coins typically command a premium in the marketplace due to their excellent preservation. In contrast, coins in lower grades, such as Very Fine (VF) or Fine (F), may show signs of wear, such as softened details and diminished luster. While these coins may not have the same visual appeal as higher-grade examples, they still retain historical value and can be valuable to collectors who focus more on the coin’s historical significance rather than its physical condition. The grade of the coin plays a major role in its market value and appeal to collectors.

The Canada 1982 Silver Dollar Regina continues to be a valuable and meaningful piece in the world of Canadian numismatics. The coin not only commemorates the centennial of Regina’s incorporation as a city, but also celebrates the city’s historical and cultural importance within the province of Saskatchewan and Canada as a whole. The design of the coin, which features the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, is a fitting tribute to Regina’s political legacy and its role in shaping the province’s development. The silver content, mintage, and quality of minting ensure that the coin remains a sought-after collectible, particularly for those with an interest in Canada’s history and its cities. The 1982 Silver Dollar is a lasting reminder of Regina’s significance and serves as a beautiful memento of a centennial celebration that highlighted the city’s growth and development.

In conclusion, the Canada 1982 Silver Dollar Regina is a beautiful and important coin that honors the city of Regina and its centennial. The coin’s design, featuring the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, reflects the city’s political significance and its role in the broader development of Canada. The mintage and condition of the coin also play a key role in its value, with higher-grade examples being especially sought after by collectors. The 1982 Silver Dollar remains an important part of Canada’s numismatic history and a valuable piece for collectors interested in Canadian cities, history, and silver coinage. Whether in circulation or in a higher-quality proof version, the Canada 1982 Silver Dollar Regina is a timeless tribute to one of Canada’s key cities and its place in the nation’s history.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1982
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• Mint Mark: N/A
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• Grade: N/A