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The Canada 2009 Specimen Set, featuring the Great Blue Heron and Polar Bear, exemplifies the Royal Canadian Mint's dedication to capturing the nation's rich natural heritage through numismatic artistry. This set offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a series of coins that serve as both legal tender and miniature works of art, reflecting Canada's diverse wildlife and cultural symbols. The inclusion of the Great Blue Heron on the one-dollar coin and the Polar Bear on the two-dollar coin underscores the significance of these species in Canadian fauna.
In 2009, the Royal Canadian Mint continued its tradition of releasing annual specimen sets, each meticulously crafted to appeal to both seasoned numismatists and new collectors. The 2009 set is particularly notable for its thematic focus on the Great Blue Heron, a majestic wading bird native to North America, symbolizing tranquility and resilience. This choice highlights Canada's commitment to celebrating its natural environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
The set comprises seven coins, each struck with a specimen finish that combines brilliant and frosted reliefs on a lined background, enhancing the intricate details of each design. The denominations included are the 1-cent, 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, 1-dollar, and 2-dollar coins. The obverse of each coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by artist Susanna Blunt. This portrait, introduced in 2003, presents a mature and graceful depiction of the Queen, reflecting her long-standing role as Canada's head of state.
The reverse designs of the coins vary by denomination, each symbolizing significant aspects of Canada's heritage and natural beauty. The 1-cent coin, commonly known as the penny, displays the iconic maple leaf twig, representing Canada's rich natural resources and the importance of the maple tree in the nation's identity. The 5-cent coin features a beaver, an emblem of industriousness and a nod to Canada's historical fur trade, which played a crucial role in the country's early economic development.
The 10-cent coin showcases the Bluenose schooner, a celebrated symbol of Canada's maritime history and shipbuilding excellence. This design pays homage to the legendary fishing and racing vessel that became an icon of nautical achievement in the early 20th century. The 25-cent coin depicts a caribou, representing the country's diverse wildlife and the significance of the caribou to Indigenous cultures and northern communities.
The 50-cent coin, not commonly found in circulation, bears the Canadian Coat of Arms, reflecting the nation's sovereignty and rich history. This intricate design incorporates symbols representing Canada's founding nations and the country's motto, "A Mari Usque Ad Mare," meaning "From Sea to Sea." The inclusion of this coin in the set offers collectors a piece that is both historically significant and artistically detailed.
The highlight of the 2009 Specimen Set is the one-dollar coin, featuring a stunning depiction of the Great Blue Heron in flight. Designed by artist Arnold Nogy, the reverse captures the elegance and poise of this wading bird as it soars gracefully above a serene landscape. The intricate detailing of the feathers and the dynamic posture of the heron reflect the artist's commitment to realism and appreciation for Canada's avian wildlife. The inscription "CANADA 2009" arches above the image, while the denomination "DOLLAR" is inscribed below. This design replaces the traditional "Loonie" motif for this special edition, offering a fresh perspective on Canada's diverse bird species.
The two-dollar coin, commonly referred to as the "Toonie," presents a polar bear standing on an ice floe, symbolizing the Arctic environment and the resilience of its wildlife. This design, introduced in 1996 and created by artist Brent Townsend, has become a familiar representation of Canada's northern heritage and the challenges faced by species in these remote regions. The coin's bimetallic composition, with a nickel outer ring and aluminum-bronze inner core, adds to its distinctive appearance.
The 2009 Specimen Set is housed in an elegant book-style packaging with a removable lens, designed to protect and showcase the coins. The case features a maroon outer cover with the Royal Canadian Mint's logo embossed, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the coins are securely held in individual slots within a black flocked insert, ensuring they remain pristine and free from handling marks. A protective plastic cover overlays the coins, safeguarding them from environmental factors such as dust and moisture.
Accompanying the set is a serialized Certificate of Authenticity, which provides assurance of the coins' origin and quality. This certificate includes detailed specifications for each coin, such as composition, weight, diameter, and edge type. The inclusion of this documentation enhances the set's value and appeal, offering collectors comprehensive information about their acquisition and the significance of the Great Blue Heron and Polar Bear themes.
The mintage of the 2009 Specimen Set was limited to 40,000 sets, aligning with the Royal Canadian Mint's practice of producing a finite number of sets each year to maintain exclusivity and desirability. This limited production run contributes to the set's collectibility and potential appreciation over time. Collectors often seek out these sets to complete their annual collections or to acquire coins in superior finishes that are not available through regular circulation.
As for the condition of the 2009 Specimen Set, coins are typically preserved in their original packaging, maintaining the pristine quality as issued by the mint. The specimen finish, characterized by its combination of brilliant and frosted reliefs on a lined background, is susceptible to handling marks; therefore, it is imperative that the coins remain encapsulated within their protective case. Sets that have been well-preserved and include all original components, such as the display case and Certificate of Authenticity, are highly valued in the numismatic market.
Over the years, the 2009 Specimen Set featuring the Great Blue Heron and Polar Bear has garnered interest not only from Canadian collectors but also from international enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the Royal Canadian Mint. The set serves as a snapshot of Canada's circulating coinage in 2009, offering a tangible connection to the nation's cultural and natural heritage. Collectors value the set for its aesthetic appeal, limited mintage, and the opportunity to own coins that are seldom encountered in everyday transactions.
In summary, the Canada 2009 Specimen Set stands as a testament to the Royal Canadian Mint's dedication to producing coins of exceptional quality and design. The set encapsulates the essence of Canadian identity through its diverse coinage, each piece reflecting a facet of the nation's heritage. The special edition one-dollar coin featuring the Great Blue Heron adds a unique and compelling element to the collection, while the two-dollar Polar Bear coin reinforces Canada's connection to its northern landscapes. Whether acquired for its artistic merit, historical significance, or investment potential, the 2009 Specimen Set offers a meaningful and valuable addition to any numismatic collection.