1858 Canadian 20 Cents Silver Coin ICCS Graded VF20

1858 Canadian 20 Cents Silver Coin ICCS Graded VF20

20 Cents - Victoria (1858)

Canada's first coinage. The English shilling being valued at slightly over 24-cents and the Halifax currency shilling valued at 20-cents, the Province of Canada decided to issue a 20-cent instead of a 25-cent coin.

This move proved unpopular because of the ease of confusion of the coin with the US and later Canadian 25-cent pieces. Consequently, the 20-cents was never again issued for circulation after 1858.

In 1870, when the Dominion of Canada issued its first coins, the 25-cent piece was selected and by a proclamation dated 9 September, 1870, the old 20-cent pieces were withdrawn. Over half the issue was returned to The Royal Mint at various times between 1885 and 1906, melted and the silver re-coined into 25-cent pieces.

Obverse

Coin depicts the design of a youthful Queen Victoria with a laurel wreath in her hair. Inscriptions as follows:
"VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA" meaning "Victoria, by the grace of God, the Queen".
 

Reverse

Depicts a serpentine vine with maple leaves. 

Note: The photo of this item is the actual coin in ICCS graded envelope.

ICCS Certfication

Specifications