1981 Canada Silver $1 Coin - "Trans-Canada Railway" - Specimen Finish

1981 Canada Silver $1 Coin - "Trans-Canada Railway" - Specimen Finish

Single silver specimen coin, originally released by the Royal Canadian Mint to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the authorisation to build the Trans-Canada Railway. Supplied in a brand-new 2x2 Mylar coin flip for protection.

Coin Specifications

• 1981 $1 Commemorative Coin celebrating the Trans-Canada Railway Centennial (1881–1981).
• Historical Significance: Commemorates the 1881 decision to build a transcontinental railroad, a monumental engineering feat that physically united the eastern and western provinces of Canada.
• Condition Standard: Struck to Specimen finish—a collector-grade quality featuring a brilliant, frosted relief of the locomotive against a matte or parallel-lined background.
• Reverse Design: Designed by Christopher Gorey, featuring a 19th-century steam locomotive superimposed over a map of Canada, symbolising the "Empire Builder" expansion of the era.
• Obverse Design: Features the 2nd portrait (Young Head) of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin.
• Key Rarity: This 50% Silver version was issued exclusively for the collector market and is highly prized for its "one-year-only" commemorative reverse.
• Catalog Reference: KM# 130.
• Mintage Information: Total mintage for the silver specimen finish was 148,647 (significantly lower than the proof version).
• Technical Specs: 50% Silver, 50% Copper (0.375 oz ASW), 23.33g weight, 36.07mm diameter.

Please Note:

• Package Contents: This listing is for the single specimen coin only.
• Packaging: This coin is supplied in a protective Mylar flip.
  
• Condition Disclaimer: This is an uncirculated specimen. As an authentic silver issue from the 1980s, the coin may exhibit light natural toning or minor "milk spots" typical of the Royal Canadian Mint’s silver production from this era.
• Image Note: Images reflect the condition of all coins available.

About this Coin:

The 1981 "Trans-Canada Railway" dollar is a masterpiece of historical storytelling. The design captures the raw power of the steam engine that forged the nation, with the map backdrop emphasising the vast distances the railroad conquered. For Australian collectors, these coins are a popular "bridge" between maritime and industrial themes, offering a high silver content (0.375 oz pure) and the exceptional strike quality synonymous with the Royal Canadian Mint's specimen series.