Canada 1983 silver dollar Edmonton Games

The Canada 1983 Silver Dollar was issued to commemorate the 1983 Western Canada Summer Games, held in Edmonton, Alberta. These Games were a significant event in the Canadian sporting calendar, as they brought together athletes from across the western provinces to compete in various sports. The Western Canada Summer Games are an important regional sporting competition, often serving as a platform for up-and-coming athletes to showcase their talents before advancing to national and international levels. Edmonton, which had a long history of hosting major sporting events, was chosen as the host city for the 1983 Games. The coin was struck to honor this milestone and to reflect the city’s role in promoting athleticism and unity across Western Canada. As such, the 1983 Silver Dollar is a lasting tribute to both the athletes who competed in the Games and the city of Edmonton’s contribution to Canada’s sporting landscape.

Edmonton's history with hosting sporting events dates back several decades, and the 1983 Western Canada Summer Games marked a significant addition to this legacy. The city had already gained recognition for its ability to organize large-scale events, including the 1978 Commonwealth Games, and by 1983, Edmonton had firmly established itself as a premier destination for national and international sporting competitions. The Western Canada Summer Games brought together athletes from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories, competing in sports such as athletics, swimming, soccer, and cycling. This event not only provided a platform for the development of athletic talent but also served to foster regional pride and unity. The Canada 1983 Silver Dollar is a commemoration of this important event, celebrating both Edmonton’s role in hosting the Games and the spirit of athletic achievement that it symbolized.

The design of the Canada 1983 Silver Dollar is visually striking, paying homage to the athletic spirit and energy of the Western Canada Summer Games. On the obverse, the coin features the iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin. This portrait had been used on Canadian coinage since 1952 and became a familiar image for Canadians during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The inscription surrounding her effigy reads “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA,” which translates to “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen.” This image of the Queen serves as a reminder of Canada’s constitutional monarchy, emphasizing the country’s continued ties to the British Crown. The Queen’s portrait is an enduring symbol of Canada’s stability and its position within the Commonwealth of Nations.

The reverse of the coin features a dynamic and detailed image of an athlete in mid-action, symbolizing the spirit of the Games. The design was created by Canadian artist Robert-Ralph Carmichael, whose work captured the athletic energy of the event. The image depicts a runner in full stride, representing the competition, determination, and physical prowess of the athletes who participated in the Western Canada Summer Games. The runner’s dynamic pose, along with the motion depicted in the design, conveys the essence of the Games and the athletes’ drive to excel. The reverse also includes the inscriptions “CANADA,” “WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES,” and “1983,” marking the year of the event and clearly identifying the coin’s commemorative purpose. The design emphasizes the connection between sport and Canadian identity, showcasing the role of athletics in promoting national unity and pride.

The Canada 1983 Silver Dollar was struck by the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa, renowned for its high-quality coin production. The coin is made from 50% fine silver, with a total weight of 23.33 grams and a diameter of 36 millimeters. This composition was consistent with other Canadian silver dollars produced during this period. The use of fine silver gives the coin both intrinsic value and appeal to collectors who are interested in silver bullion. The Royal Canadian Mint’s craftsmanship is evident in the detailed design, with sharp lines and well-defined features, especially in the depiction of the athlete. The coin is a beautiful example of the Mint’s dedication to precision and quality, ensuring that the 1983 Silver Dollar would be both a fitting tribute to the Western Canada Summer Games and a highly collectible item for years to come.

The mintage of the Canada 1983 Silver Dollar was approximately 1,200,000 coins, which ensured that the coin was widely available to collectors and the general public. This relatively high mintage allowed for broad accessibility, giving Canadians the opportunity to purchase a piece of history that commemorated the Western Canada Summer Games. The production of over one million coins meant that the coin could be enjoyed by many people while still holding historical significance. However, the Royal Canadian Mint also produced a proof version of the coin, struck with a higher quality finish. Proof coins, with their mirror-like backgrounds and frosted designs, are produced in limited quantities and are generally more sought after by collectors. The proof version of the coin was produced in smaller numbers, making it rarer and more valuable in the marketplace. This version is often in higher demand due to its superior quality and limited availability compared to regular circulating coins.

The condition of the Canada 1983 Silver Dollar is an essential factor in determining its value. Coins that have been well-preserved, especially those in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) or Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition, are highly desirable to collectors because they retain their original luster and have sharp, well-defined design features. BU or AU coins are typically in the best possible condition for a non-proof coin, and they often command a premium in the market. On the other hand, coins in lower grades such as Very Fine (VF) or Fine (F) may show signs of wear, such as softened details or reduced luster. These coins, while still of historical value, may not be as visually appealing as higher-grade specimens, which is reflected in their lower market price. Nevertheless, even coins in lower grades can hold significant value for collectors who focus more on the historical context of the coin than on its condition.

The Canada 1983 Silver Dollar Western Canada Summer Games remains an important piece of Canadian numismatics. The coin commemorates a pivotal event in the country’s athletic history, recognizing the importance of the Western Canada Summer Games as a platform for the development of athletic talent and regional unity. The design, with its depiction of the runner in motion, captures the essence of the Games and the athletic spirit that defines the competition. The high-quality silver content and the Mint’s craftsmanship ensure that the coin remains a lasting and collectible item. Whether in its regular circulation issue or its rarer proof version, the 1983 Silver Dollar continues to be a valuable and sought-after piece in the numismatic community. Its historical and cultural significance makes it a cherished item for collectors and a meaningful reminder of the role of sport in shaping Canada’s national identity.

In conclusion, the Canada 1983 Silver Dollar Western Canada Summer Games is a commemorative coin that captures the spirit of the Games and the importance of sport in Canada’s history. The coin’s design, which depicts an athlete in mid-action, symbolizes the competition, determination, and athletic excellence of the Games. The silver content and the high-quality minting make the coin both a valuable investment and a beautiful collectible. The coin’s mintage and condition determine its appeal, with higher-grade specimens being especially sought after by collectors. The 1983 Silver Dollar remains a valuable piece of Canada’s numismatic history, celebrating the role of sport in shaping national pride and unity, and it continues to be a prized addition to any collection.

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• Year: 1983
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