2008 Canada Sterling Silver $15 Coin - Vignettes of Royalty: King Edward VII

2008 Canada Sterling Silver $15 Coin - Vignettes of Royalty: King Edward VIII

Face Value: $15
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 30
Diameter (mm): 36.15
Finish: Frosted relief on a proof-like field

Design: The art form once reserved for wealthy aristocrats can now be enjoyed with this remarkable coin series featuring the effigies of five monarchs that have appeared on Canada's circulation coins. Each effigy is struck in ultra high relief reminiscent of ancient medallic art.

Canada did not always produce its coins domestically. Until the Royal Canadian Mint opened in 1908, Canadian coins were imported from overseas. Even then, the designs and tools remained the domain of the Royal Mint in London while the Canadian facility operated as its Ottawa branch. This began to change in 1930 when the Mint became a wholly owned Canadian institution.

2008 $15 Coin King Edward VII The second coin in the series features Edward VII. Crowned at the age of 59, he is the oldest Prince of Wales ever to become king. The "Edwardian age" was shaped by his love for sport and theatre and his concentrated efforts to foster goodwill among monarchs throughout Europe. This crowned portrait of King Edward VII appeared on Canada's 1-, 5-, 10-, 25- and 50- cent coins from 1902 to 1910.