Our 2020 Numis-tastic! set is a fun celebration of coin collecting and a sampling ofwhat we do best. These five coins all feature the same 25-cent caribou design that has appeared in your pocket change since 1937. Why? By using an image you know well, we're drawing your attention tothe coin finishinstead of its design.

Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof, Reverse Proof, Matte, and Specimen: For the first time, all five of our coin finishes appear side-by-side in this set to show thedifference a finish makes. Each one reflects lightin different ways–from matte to brilliant, or a mixof both–that completely transform the classic circulation coin and your interpretation of it. This ishow we create art out of metal and light. And that's where we shine brightest.

A super fun 5-coin set that highlights five different coin finishes! Start a loved one's passion for coin collecting with this affordable coin set! Order today!

• FOR THE LOVE OF COLLECTING: Share your passion with other family members or get ready to discover a new hobby! Designed (and priced) for sharing, this five-coin sampler set is a fun way to learn more about Canada's coins.
• FIVE DIFFERENT LOOKS: All five coins feature the same design but in a different finish: Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof, Matte Proof, Reverse Proof and Specimen. Each one brings the art to life in a different way–discover your favourite finish.
• FIRST TIME TOGETHER: You've seen one or more of these finishes on individual coins or in different sets—like ourannual proof and specimen sets—but you've never seen all five of them together in one set, untilnow.
• PACKAGING ACCENTUATES COIN: The packaging includes an explanation for every finish, which makes it the perfect learning tool or teaching resource.
• A COMPLETE COLLECTION OF FINISHES: This set is an easy way to ensure any collection (yours or a loved one's) includes at least one coin in every finish offered by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Design :
All five coins feature Emanuel Hahn's classic 25-cent circulation coin design. Each reverse shows the familiar profile view of a caribou in one of five different coin finishes. The obverse features the effigy of HerMajesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

About the coin finishes:
Different die polishing and coin striking techniques produce different coin finishes, which change the way light reflects off a coin's surface. Bycreating the appearance of lighter (brilliant/shiny) and darker (matte) tones, an engraver can add dimension, depth or new meaning to any coin design – even a famous one like our caribou quarter.

• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU): Allshine and no frosting (matte/textured engraving). The "hot off the press" look ofa newly minted circulation coin.

• Proof: Like artwork on a mirror. Frosted relief (engraving) stands out against a high-shine field (background). You'll find this prestige finish on our collector coins.

• Matte Proof: A satin version of a Proof finish. The field still shines but it's not as reflective. This gives the coin a slightly more aged appearance.

• Reverse Proof: The opposite of Proof–a high-shine image on a matte background. Think of it as a portrait with all the light focused on the subject.

• Specimen: A mix of frosted and high-shine engraving on a lined/matte background. You'll find this type of finish on our world-exclusive annual specimen set.

• If you collect or study coins, you're a numismatist! The word "numismatics" (thestudy or collection of coins) dates back to 18th-century and the French adjective "numismatique," which was borrowed from the Latin word "numisma."
• Coin collecting is one of the oldest hobbies–it dates back to at least Ancient Rome. It's known as the "hobby of kings" becauseit was a popular activity among popes and rulers, including Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar (63 BCE–14 CE).
• What's the world's oldest dated coin? According to Guinness World Records, it's a Samian silver tetradachm (an Ancient Greek silver coin).It was struck in present-day Messina, Sicily, in the year 494 BCE—that's more than 2,000 years before the first Canadian coin!
• What was the first coin minted in Canada? A 50-cent coin struck in 1908 during the official opening ofthe Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint (now the RoyalCanadian Mint). The second coin? A one-cent piece struck a few minutes later.

Order today!