2006 Canadian $3 Beaver Square Gold-plated Sterling Silver Coin

2006 Canadian $3 Beaver Square Gold-plated Sterling Silver Coin 

A beaver unlike any other!

It's a historic first for the Royal Canadian Mint! This unique square coin was inspired by the trade tokens that came into use during the fur trade, the adventurous industry that drove much of Canada's development during the 17th and 18th centuries.

When trappers brought their furs to the trading posts, something was needed to represent the value of the pelts. At first, everything from porcupine quills, ivory discs and bits of wood or bone were used-anything that that the trapper and merchant agreed upon.

As the industry became more sophisticated, trade tokens began to appear. As the two parties went through the furs, tokens would be placed on the counter. Once done, the trapper would use them to purchase goods from the store. Some trade tokens were square like this coin. Others featured the prize of the fur trade that also reigns as one of Canada's earliest forms of currency-the beaver!

Features

The first ever Royal Canadian Mint square coin!
Plated in 24-karat gold! 

Packaging

2006 Canadian $3 Beaver Square Gold-plated Sterling Silver Coin comes encapsulated and presented in Royal Canadian Mint display case, black beauty box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: $3
Mintage: 20,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper. Plated in 24-karat gold
Weight (g): 11.72
Diameter(mm): 27x27
Finish: Specimen