Canada 1996 silver dollar McIntosh

The Canada 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh is a commemorative coin that pays tribute to the McIntosh apple, one of Canada’s most beloved and iconic fruit varieties. Released by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin celebrates the McIntosh apple’s historical and cultural significance to the nation. Known for its distinctive sweet-tart flavor and its widespread cultivation, the McIntosh apple has become deeply ingrained in Canadian agriculture and food culture. By commemorating this fruit, the coin honors the agricultural contributions of Canadian farmers and the role of the McIntosh apple in shaping Canada’s identity as a producer of high-quality agricultural products.

The McIntosh apple variety was first discovered in the early 19th century by John McIntosh, a farmer from Ontario, Canada. In 1820, McIntosh found the seedling in his orchard, and by the mid-1800s, the McIntosh apple had become a popular variety for its flavor, crispness, and versatility in cooking and baking. The variety was soon recognized as one of the finest apples in North America, making its way into both Canadian and American orchards. Today, McIntosh apples are cultivated extensively across Canada, especially in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces, where they continue to be an integral part of the country’s agricultural sector. The 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh celebrates this enduring legacy, highlighting the connection between agriculture, local economies, and Canadian identity.

The design of the 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh coin was created by artist Yves Bérubé, a well-known Canadian artist who has contributed to numerous Royal Canadian Mint designs. The coin’s obverse features a detailed and vibrant depiction of a McIntosh apple, capturing its natural beauty and the rich color contrast between the red skin and the light green flesh. The apple is shown in full relief, making it appear three-dimensional and inviting the viewer to appreciate the fine details of the fruit. Surrounding the apple are the inscriptions “CANADA,” “1996,” and “MCINTOSH,” indicating the coin’s origin, the year of minting, and the specific variety of apple being honored. The reverse of the coin features the traditional effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by artist Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The reverse also includes the inscription “ELIZABETH II” and the denomination of the coin, “D.G. REGINA,” a nod to Canada’s royal heritage and the continuity of the monarchy in the country. The coin’s design effectively balances a celebration of Canadian agriculture with the country’s royal traditions, making it both a fitting tribute to the McIntosh apple and a reflection of the nation’s identity.

The 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh coin was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in .925 fine silver, a standard used for many of Canada’s commemorative coins. Weighing approximately 23.17 grams with a diameter of 36.07 millimeters, the coin is a substantial piece that highlights both the quality of the silver used and the Mint’s commitment to producing collectible coins of exceptional artistry. The 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh was issued in a limited mintage of 30,000 coins, making it a rare and highly sought-after collectible. Its limited availability ensures that it remains a valuable item for collectors of Canadian numismatics and those with an interest in agricultural history or fruit cultivation.

The condition is either BU or Proof, dealer's choice. The mintage of 30,000 coins for the 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh was deliberately limited to maintain its exclusivity and appeal to collectors. This low mintage adds to the coin’s desirability, as many commemorative coins are valued by collectors for their rarity and historical significance. As with many limited-edition coins, the Royal Canadian Mint carefully planned the release to ensure that the coin would be a significant addition to Canadian collections. The McIntosh apple, as a symbol of the nation’s agricultural legacy, made the coin especially meaningful, further increasing its demand among numismatists and those with a personal connection to the apple variety or its agricultural importance in Canada. The low mintage also ensures that surviving examples of the coin, particularly those in excellent condition, are highly valued in the marketplace.

The Royal Canadian Mint is renowned for its high-quality coin production, and the 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh coin exemplifies this standard. The detailed design and precision minting ensure that the coin is not only a functional piece of currency but also a work of art. The image of the McIntosh apple is rendered with incredible detail, capturing the texture and colors of the fruit in a way that makes it appear lifelike. The fine relief and the expert use of color contrast help bring the apple’s iconic shape and form to the forefront of the viewer’s attention. The craftsmanship extends to the reverse side, where the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is rendered in fine detail, reflecting the Mint’s commitment to producing coins that are both visually striking and historically meaningful.

The 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh coin is more than just a commemorative issue; it is a celebration of Canada’s agricultural heritage and the iconic role of the McIntosh apple in the country’s farming traditions. The coin serves as a reminder of the importance of agriculture in shaping Canada’s economy and the cultural significance of local farming practices. McIntosh apples, grown by Canadian farmers for generations, are a symbol of the country's natural resources and its deep connection to the land. By commemorating the McIntosh apple, the coin also highlights the broader agricultural achievements of Canada, reflecting the country’s status as one of the world’s leading producers of fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products.

Beyond its historical significance, the 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh coin is also an excellent investment for collectors. The silver content of the coin ensures that it holds intrinsic value, while its limited mintage and beautiful design make it a sought-after item for collectors of Canadian coins. As part of a larger series of commemorative coins issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, the McIntosh coin is an essential piece for those interested in the Mint’s offerings, particularly those with an interest in Canada’s agricultural history or the cultural significance of the McIntosh apple.

In conclusion, the Canada 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh coin is a beautiful tribute to one of Canada’s most iconic agricultural products. Its detailed design, historical context, and limited mintage make it a valuable collectible for both numismatists and enthusiasts of Canadian history. The coin celebrates the McIntosh apple, which has played an important role in Canadian agriculture and continues to be a beloved variety across the country. Whether as a piece of art, a piece of Canadian heritage, or a collectible item, the 1996 Silver Dollar McIntosh serves as a lasting tribute to the McIntosh apple’s enduring legacy in Canada’s farming traditions.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1996
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
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• Grade: N/A