Unique tribute to a Canadian treasure
I have visited Banff several times and it is surely one of the most beautiful places in the world. Once I saw this coin, I had to have it! The images featured on the coin are a journey through its many unique places and features, including the Hot Springs, Banff Springs Hotel, Mounties, glaciers, etc. The workmanship, as always, is exquisite and the RCM is to be commended for an inspiring tribute to the Park. The one thing I dislike about this and other large format Canadian coins is the relatively poor use of the space available on the obverse of the coin, where the Queen's image is shown. The RCM would do itself a favor if this were made, let's say, a bit more interesting. Finally, it's interesting to compare this coin with the recent "America the Beautiful" series 5-oz coins released by the US Mint. The RCM's coin is a proof coin with very limited mintage, while the USM coins are bullion finish, with up to 60,000 of each released in 2010. The Banff coin is an extremely good value at current prices, considering its very limited mintage and proof finish. If you can, grab one!
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Huntington Beach, CA