Canada 1991 silver dollar Frontenac

The Canada 1991 Silver Dollar was issued to commemorate the legacy of Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac, a pivotal figure in early Canadian history. Frontenac served as the Governor of New France from 1672 to 1682 and again from 1689 until his death in 1698. He is best known for his leadership during a critical period in the history of New France, as he navigated the challenges of maintaining French control over the territory in the face of British encroachment and Indigenous resistance. Frontenac’s actions were instrumental in the expansion and fortification of French interests in Canada, particularly in the regions around Quebec and along the St. Lawrence River. The 1991 Silver Dollar was struck to honor Frontenac’s contributions to the establishment and defense of New France and his enduring legacy in Canadian history.

Frontenac’s tenure as Governor was marked by his strategic military leadership and efforts to solidify French power in Canada. He led several military expeditions against the British and their Indigenous allies, including the defense of Quebec during the English attacks in 1690. One of his most famous achievements was his leadership during the Battle of Quebec, where he successfully repelled an English invasion. His efforts in fortifying Quebec and promoting French settlement in the region were key to maintaining New France as a French colony for nearly a century after his death. Frontenac’s impact was not limited to military success; he was also instrumental in fostering the fur trade, establishing French alliances with various Indigenous nations, and enhancing the cultural identity of New France. The coin pays tribute to this multifaceted leader and his significant role in the establishment of French Canada.

The design of the Canada 1991 Silver Dollar reflects Frontenac’s military and cultural legacy. On the obverse, the coin features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin. This iconic image of the Queen has appeared on Canadian coinage since 1952 and symbolizes Canada’s connection to the British monarchy. The inscription surrounding the portrait reads “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA,” meaning “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen.” This portrait continues to represent continuity and stability within the Canadian political system, which remains rooted in the constitutional monarchy. As the head of state, the Queen’s image on the coin serves to link Canada’s modern identity with its colonial past.

The reverse of the coin showcases a dramatic and historically rich design that commemorates Frontenac’s leadership. The design, created by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc, features an image of Frontenac in military regalia, standing resolutely at the forefront of a scene depicting the St. Lawrence River and the stronghold of Quebec. The portrait of Frontenac captures him in full military attire, including his distinctive armor and ceremonial regalia. This powerful image symbolizes his role as a military leader and his dedication to defending New France. Behind him, the St. Lawrence River and the city of Quebec are shown in the background, emphasizing the geographical importance of the region in both Frontenac’s career and the history of New France. The design also includes the inscriptions “CANADA,” “FRONTENAC,” and “1991,” marking the year of issue and the purpose of the coin as a commemoration of this historic figure. The reverse design reflects the enduring significance of Frontenac in Canadian history, emphasizing his military leadership and the geographic importance of the areas he helped defend.

The Canada 1991 Silver Dollar was struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, which is 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, which is typical for Canadian silver dollars. The fine silver content of the coin ensures that it has intrinsic value, while its size and weight place it within the standard dimensions for Canadian silver dollars. The Royal Canadian Mint utilized advanced minting technologies to ensure that the coin was struck with great precision. The intricate details of Frontenac’s military attire, the city of Quebec, and the surrounding landscape are all captured with clarity, demonstrating the Mint’s dedication to high-quality craftsmanship. The smooth, polished finish of the coin, along with the sharpness of the design, ensures that it stands as a durable collectible while reflecting Frontenac’s historical importance in Canadian history.

The mintage of the Canada 1991 Silver Dollar Frontenac was approximately 1,000,000 coins. This high mintage ensured that the coin was widely available to the public, allowing collectors and interested buyers to obtain a piece of Canadian history. The large mintage also meant that the coin was accessible not only to those interested in numismatics but also to people with an interest in Canadian history, especially those fascinated by the legacy of New France and the explorers who shaped the country. In addition to the regular circulation version, the Royal Canadian Mint also produced proof versions of the coin, which were struck with higher precision and feature a mirror-like finish. These proof coins are often produced in limited quantities and are highly sought after by collectors due to their superior quality. The proof versions of the 1991 Silver Dollar Frontenac are especially valuable for collectors looking for a pristine example of Canadian minting artistry.

The condition of the Canada 1991 Silver Dollar is a key factor in determining its value in the marketplace. Coins in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) or Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition are especially prized by collectors because they retain their original luster and well-defined details. These coins are typically well-preserved, with minimal signs of wear or tarnish, making them highly desirable. Coins graded in higher categories, such as AU or BU, are usually more valuable because of their excellent preservation and visual appeal. In contrast, coins graded as Very Fine (VF) or Fine (F) may exhibit signs of handling, such as softened design features or reduced luster. Although these coins may not have the same aesthetic appeal as higher-grade specimens, they still hold value, especially for collectors who appreciate their historical significance. Proof coins, produced with special care and a polished finish, are the most sought-after by collectors and typically command higher prices due to their rarity and flawless condition.

The Canada 1991 Silver Dollar Frontenac remains a significant collectible for those with an interest in Canadian history, particularly the period of New France and its role in the early development of Canada. The coin’s design honors Frontenac’s contributions as a military leader and governor, and it reflects the history and geographical importance of the St. Lawrence River region in the formation of Canada. The Royal Canadian Mint’s craftsmanship ensures that the coin is not only a valuable asset but also a beautifully struck piece of history. The fine silver content, combined with the high-quality minting, makes the 1991 Silver Dollar a desirable collectible for investors and collectors alike. The coin serves as a lasting tribute to Frontenac’s legacy and the important role that he played in the development of Canada’s identity during the colonial period.

In conclusion, the Canada 1991 Silver Dollar Frontenac is a beautiful and historically significant coin that commemorates the legacy of Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac, and his role in the early history of Canada. The detailed reverse design captures Frontenac’s leadership and the significance of the St. Lawrence River region, while the obverse features the timeless portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The fine silver content and the high-quality minting ensure that the coin remains both a valuable investment and a sought-after collectible. Whether in its regular circulation form or in the rarer proof version, the 1991 Silver Dollar continues to be a prized addition to any collection, honoring a key figure in Canadian history and marking a significant moment in the country’s colonial past.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1991
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