Nations around the world have solidified their culture, history, and important symbols through currency since 700 BC, when the first coinage was created. Today, countries produce not just circulating coinage, but also sovereign bullion with incredible designs.
Join us as we “tour” the sovereign bullion around the world!
First stop: North America.
Canada
The Royal Canadian Mint is well-known for not just excellence in quality, but also for the incredible diversity in their designs. Still, the official bullion piece of the Monnaie Royale Canadienne is the 1 oz Silver Canadian Maple Leaf.
This classic coin can be considered the world’s first truly pure silver bullion coin, composed of .9999 fine silver. The design, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, features a detailed image of a maple leaf, the most widely recognized national symbol of Canada.
The obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth, as Canada remains a constitutional monarchy with Her Majesty as the head of state.
As of 2014, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf offers additional protections, including a micro-engraved privy mark and radial lines that create a “light-diffracting pattern.”
Canada Highlights
- The country is officially bilingual, with official documents in English and French.
- 4/5ths of the population lives within 150 kilometres of the United States border.
- Canada has 10 provinces and three territories.
- Try poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds); stop in at Tim Hortons; check out the background for many favorite movies and shows–many are filmed in Toronto.
United States
The official bullion piece of the United States is the 1 oz American Silver Eagle. Though the U.S. Mint, much like its northern neighbor, also produces a variety of gold, silver and platinum products, the Silver American Eagle is the standard. As the official bullion of the U.S. government, the weight, purity, and content are certified.
The reverse shows the Great Seal, a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch and arrows with 13 stars arranged above. The obverse features the Walking Liberty design created by Adolph A. Weinman in 1916. In it, the goddess Liberty walks forward into the rising sun, wearing the stars and stripes while carrying laurel and oak boughs.
American Silver Eagles are composed of .999 silver, and can be purchased in several varieties, including proof, burnished, and certified.
United States Highlights
- The United States has the world’s largest national economy.
- The government owns 28.8% of the country’s total land area, much of it protected.
- The U.S. is the world’s longest-lasting federation (union of partially self-governing states).
- The Grand Canyon is truly one of the world’s natural wonders; catch an American football game; and be sure to try some barbecue (we here at Provident Metals prefer Texan-style).
Mexico
La Casa de Moneda de México first started producing the real in the 16th century. Since then, their offerings have evolved. Since 1982, the official bullion coin of México (officially known as the United Mexican States) has been the 1 oz Silver Libertad.
The Libertad is composed of .999 silver and was designed off of the Centenario released in 1921. The obverse shows the angel of victory, an icon pulled from a famous statue in México City honoring the 100th anniversary of Mexican independence. Behind the angel are the twin volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, which are visible from the city.
The reverse shows the coat of arms from 10 of Mexico’s states, arranged around the Mexican Coat of Arms.
México Highlights
- Mexico is the world’s largest silver producer.
- The name “Mexico” is derived from the Nahuatl language, but its meaning is unknown.
- Bullfighting, which originated in Spain, is the national sport of México.
- Be sure to sample some chocolate, corn, and chilies–México introduced the rest of the world to these delicious treats. Keep an eye out for Monarch butterflies, which migrate every year from the U.S. and Canada.
Which North American silver coin do you enjoy more: the American Eagle, the Canadian Maple Leaf, or the Mexican Libertad?
Read more in this series: Coins of South America
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