Popular Canadian Coins With Women

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Coin collecting is a common pastime that many individuals enjoy. Collection types range in variety based on the individual. Many coin collectors like to focus on rare coins created due to printing errors while others focus on a specific country or region. Some even focus their collection on specific time frames in history. No matter what type of collection is created, each is interesting to learn about a view. For many, collecting coins with women has become a popular pastime. The Canadian mint has created several coins over the years that are highly collectible and feature women.

Fictional Females
A unique category created by the Canadian Mint is the fictional females. Back in 1994, a $200 gold coin was issued that was a tribute to Anne of Green Gables. A second coin was created in 2008 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the books and featured Anne Shirley, the main character of the books. This coin was a 25-cent painted coin.

Honouring a War Heroine
In 2013, two coins were created that are enjoyed in the coin collecting world. Laura Secord is a famous heroine of Canada dating back to the War of 1812. Laura’s image is featured on the 25 cent coin and the $4 silver coin for her role in the war.

Nobel Prize Winner
Alice Munro, a Canadian author, was given a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013 and the Royal Canadian Mint created a coin in 2014 to commemorate her achievement. The $5 coin was created in 2014 and depicts a female figure which is coming out of a hand-written book.

FIFA Women’s World Cup
In 2015, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to create a coin in celebration of the FIFA Women’s World cup. The design was revealed in March of last year.

These are just a few examples of Canadian women featured on coins created in Canada. It is interesting to note the differences in subject matter and how each category was celebrated for a different occasion or time period.

Such coins are collectible due to the uniqueness of the image as well as the interesting story behind the coin. Coin collectors like to tell a story and reveal in the history of each coin they possess. The rarer the coin and more interesting the story, the more enjoyable the coin is to collect. Coin collections can be started by adding the women of Canada pieces or starting with any other collection category. Individuals can choose how to start a coin collection based on the topics they enjoy.

At Colonial Acres, coin collectors can add to their collection or start a new one by working with the knowledgeable. Gain help in finding rare coins or learn just how valuable your collection is by having it appraised. You will find Colonial Acres Coins offers a wealth of knowledge that is helpful to both the novice coin collector as well as the more advanced.

Traits and Values Every Coin Collector Should Have

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Coin collectors are a unique breed of individuals who love order and history. Coin collectors can come from all walks of life but can have the same traits when it comes to coin collecting. Learn more about the common traits of coin collectors below and the varying types of collectors that span the globe.

Coin Type Collectors

Coin collectors tend to like order in their lives. Coin collections will be nicely displayed and many enjoy being a ‘type’ collector. This can mean collecting pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, etc. Type collectors tend to focus more on finding examples of a certain type of coin from a time period rather than finding date and mint mark combination for a series of coins.

Error Coin Collectors

Although coin collectors enjoy organization within their collection, there are those who seek out error coins. Such coins will be ones that have errors in place during printing. These coins are specialty coins and usually there are only a few in existence for each type. Coins may have been struck twice to have a double image on the front or back which is known as double dies. Coins can also be blank, having not been struck at all. Each error coin has a story and makes for a quite a unique coin collection.

Novelty Coins

Individuals who want a little fun in their life will be a novelty coin collector. This can be any type of coin that is considered a novelty such as a double sided coin, colored coins, pennies featuring the Liberty Bell, etc. These novelty coins can be created by private individuals, companies or be standard coins that have been modified.

Love of History

Most coin collectors commonly have a love of history. There is something so amazing about finding an old coin and imaging where the coin has been. Coins have been around for decades and each tell a different story. Some coins are created based on historic events while others are based on figures from a certain region. Each coin tells a story and history buffs love to share the stories found in each coin.

For example, quarters in the United States have a back side that represents each of the 50 states. Many beginner coin collectors will collect the 25 cent piece, trying to amass a coin from each state. The state will be represented with an animal, plant or other image that is indicative of the region.

Turn a Profit

There are coin collectors who enjoy collecting but also want to turn a profit. These coin collectors will seek out the most expensive coins to add to their coin collection. These coins can be sold for top dollar and money used to purchase even more rare coins with higher coin values. Some coin collections can be worth quite a bit with the money used for savings, education or other uses.
To learn more about coin collecting, with options for buying and selling, contact Colonial Acres Coins. You will find the staff are quite knowledgeable in the area of coins and can assist you with finding rare coins or appraising your collection.

Popular Canadian Coins of the 80’s

canadian coins 80'sHave you started a coin collection featuring coins from Canada but are unsure as to which coins are actually worth collecting? There are many coins from varying decades in the history of Canada that are interesting and unique, perfect for the new collector. Once you know the best coins in circulation as well as those that may not be in circulation any more, you can begin to add value to your collection. From the penny to the Canadian 50 cent coin, you will find several options from the 80’s to have a solid coin collection.

1 Cent 1983

In the year 1983 a 1 cent coin was created that features Queen Elizabeth II on the front and the maple leaf on the back. Similar to other penny coins, this particular coin can have an error that makes it collectible. On both sides of the coin there are small beads that outline the outer edge. The variations of this penny include near beads and far beads, meaning how close the beading is to the outer edge.

5 Cents 1980

The printing of the 5 cent coin in Canada in the year 1980 has an error that makes this coin collectible. The coin features a beaver on the back in the water, which has the date listed below. The collectible version of this coin has the date printed twice. This coin can be worth a great deal depending on the grading.

10 Cents 1980

This 10 cent coin was created in 1980 printings to include a sailboat on the back. There are two types of this coin, one with a wide 0 for the 10 cents section and one with a narrow 0 for the 10 cents portion. The value of this coin depends on the type of 0 on the coin as well as shape and grading.

25 cents 1980

This 25 cent coin was created in 1980 with two distinct categories, one with near beading and one with far beading. The coin features beading near the outer edge on both sides. The value of this coin from 1980 will be dependent on if the beading is near the edge or farther away.

50 Cent 1982

A coin with high value is the 50 cent piece from 1982. This coin can be worth as much as $350 with the right grading and the presence of small beads. Beading is located on the outer edge of this coin and when you have the smaller beads on your coin, you may have an item that is worth a great deal. Canadian 50 cent coin value can vary based on several factors including the condition of the coin, the presence of the beading size plus the grading factor. To learn the true value, you would need to have the coin appraised by an expert.
To learn more about Canadian coins from the 80’s, contact Colonial Acres Coins. The appraisal and auction company can assist you with finding coins from the 80s as well as helping you to appraise or build your collection. Contact Colonial today to learn just what services they can provide for you.

Recycle Your Old Jewellery

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Many women have an expansive jewellery collection. Earrings, bracelets, a necklace or even a brooch can help style any outfit, making one feel glamorous and complete. When not wearing jewellery, a woman can feel incomplete. So it is no surprise that many women have an expansive jewellery collection. When a collection becomes too big, something must be done so even more jewellery can be purchased! One option is to recycle your jewellery. There are several ways to do this from giving gifts to selling your more collectible pieces. Read on to see just what you can do with old jewellery pieces.

Selling your Most Valuable Pieces

When a piece of jewellery has become something that you are no longer wearing, you can consider selling the old piece. A real piece of jewellery, made of gold or silver, with gemstones can fetch quite a price, especially if the piece is an antique. Any pieces that you feel may have value or you are unsure as to how much value, have the item appraised. An expert jewellery appraiser will be able to determine the value of old coin jewellery or other pieces to help you get top dollar. Sell used jewellery at a premium so you can have extra cash for vacation, a rainy day or to buy new pieces.

Make sure you work with a qualified appraiser to ensure the value of your piece is authentic. An appraiser with a top rating in the jewellery industry as well as one with experience can be trusted to give you the best value for your items. During the appraisal process, the appraiser will need to evaluate your pieces. Each item will be reviewed for gemstone cut and clarity, metal type, condition, etc. Once this information is obtained, the appraiser will be able to give you a clear value to the piece. You can then choose to sell your jewellery pieces or hold on to them a little longer.

Trade with Friends

Another option for recycling your old jewellery is to trade with friends. Set a date and invite friends over to have a jewellery trading party. Everyone can bring a certain amount of jewellery to the party and games can be played to see who ends up with what piece. This can be a fun night with friends as well as give you the opportunity to get rid of old items while gaining something new.

Give as Gifts

Whether you have expensive pieces of jewellery you are no longer using or costume jewellery, you may have family or friends you wish to give the pieces to as gifts. Graduation, birthdays or just because, you can give you coveted pieces to the ones you love. Loved ones will cherish the piece as it has sentimental value as well as possible currency value depending on the metal and gemstone of the piece.
To learn the value of your jewellery and see if recycling your jewellery is right for you, contact Colonial Acres Coins. They can evaluate your jewellery pieces and let you know what would be the best route to go. Their experience and knowledge in this industry is vast and they can help you get the best value for your jewellery and your money.

What is Coin Recycling?

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Coins are a common form of currency across the globe. Coins have been produced for decades and used as a form of payment based the current economy. Because coin production has changed over the years, coins have become somewhat of a collector’s item. Coin values can be quite high and lead to an impressive coin collection when an individual is able to gain access to unique pieces. Coins also have the option of being recycled to help avoid the need for production. Learn more about coin recycling below.

What is the purpose of Coin Recycling?

The purpose of coin recycling is to help lower the need for coin production. The Royal Canadian Mint has a quality recycling coin program, allowing individuals to turn in coins and receive cash back. The coins turned in are then put back into circulation. This means the coins are used again and the Royal Canadian Mint does not have to create more to be circulated into the economy. Recycling coins is an efficient way to provide coins for individuals to use as well as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner in which change is provided for the marketplace.

Turn Small Change into Money

With the Royal Canadian Mint, coin collections can be turned in for cash. Of course, your high coin values should be kept in your collection but turn in any large collections of pennies, dimes, nickels or quarters to be able to paid quick cash. Even loonies and toonies can be recycled. The coins will add up fast and you will have cash that can be used for a rainy day, a vacation trip, or added to a savings account.

Start Collecting

It is easy to start a coin collection that can be recycled. Take a large jar and begin to place your loose change inside. Set a goal to fill the jar and once filled, you will be able to turn your change in for cash, maybe even earning hundreds of dollars in the process. With every coin you recycle, you will be able to preserve the environment as this is one less coin that has to be produced.

Make Collecting Fun

You can get the entire family involved in coin collecting for recycling, making the process fun. Take several jars and create one for pennies, one for nickels and so on. Be sure to keep the jars separate and see just how quickly each jar fills up. Does the quarter jar fill up quicker than the penny jar? Make the process fun and educational so that your kiddos will be excited to recycle coins as well. A pickle jar makes the perfect container for change and can hold quite a bit! Over 8,000 dimes can fit inside a four liter pickle jar which means around $840 for you!

Coin Counting Machine

To make counting your coins for recycling easy, you can use a coin counting machine. Machines are located everywhere, especially in Canada, to make it easy for you to turn in your cash. Look for these machines when you are ready to cash in!
When you need assistance with your coin collection or to learn more about coin recycling, contact Colonial Acres Coins. The company can easily assist you with information on coin collection, coin values and more.

Most Popular World Coins

Many collectors would like to have certain coins in their coin collection, because of their popularity, rarity, value or a combination of all these factors. Some coins shine brighter than others, some are really rare or old, while some are famous because of the mistakes on them.

These are some of the most noteworthy coins that any collector would like to have, even if they cost a fortune.

The Canadian Dot Cent Penny

This 1936 penny is popular with coin collectors because it is only one of three such coins known to have been minted by the Royal Canadian Mint that year. This coin separates itself from the rest of the 1936 pennies produced in the last year of King George V’s reign with a tiny dot below the date on its tails side. There is a report that a collector bought the famous dot penny at a U.S. auction for approximately $250,000, around 25 million times worth its face value.

1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

This is a very popular coin for collectors and non-collectors. This coin isn’t exactly rare, there are approximately 480,000 of them made, but there are simply more people who want this in their coin collection. This coin’s value skyrocketed in recent years; it has reached a point that you might have to spend US$1000 even for a worn, dirty and undamaged coin.

1913 Liberty Nickel

This isn’t a regular issue coin, but this one is on the most coveted list of many collectors. To add to its lore, there are only five coins made, and the rare situations that they go on auction, they draw a lot of attention from collectors.

1916 Standing Liberty Quarter

This coin is famous for several reasons some of which are its 52,000 mintage, it is the first year of use of the Standing Liberty design and it has a bare-breasted Miss Liberty on it. In 1917, the U.S. Mint changed the design by adding mail that covered Miss Liberty’s front and a new look reverse side that changed the placing of the stars surrounding the flying eagle.

2007 Queen Elizabeth II

This coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint is the first one in the world that has a face value of a million dollars. Each coin is made of 100kg of gold with 99.99% purity. It depicts Queen Elizabeth II on one side while three Maple leaves are on the other.

These are only some of the world’s most popular coins, you would be extremely lucky (and rich) to have at least one of these in your collection. Work with ColonialAcres.com to learn about such rare coins and possibly add new items to your collection!

The Coin Minting Process

The process of minting coins has evolved over the centuries, but one thing truly remains: the production of coins is never easy and it requires a lot of hard work to see a metal blank become a beautifully designed coin.

The production of coins is a very interesting process, and each mint from different countries may be following steps of their own. There is minimal difference in how they transform metal blanks to our coins. But before we go to how modern minting is done, how were the ancient coins in history made?

There were no machines and no automation. The first coins in history started in Lydia and China simultaneously. This proves that it was not only the West that discovered coinage, but the Eastern part of the world as well. The first coins were believed to have come around the 6th and 7th century BC, and the Lydian coins were made of electrum — an alloy of gold and silver. Back then, the methods of marking the coins with imagery were experimental and thus produced less intricate and appealing results. The electrum coins were also irregularly shaped, not like the flat and round ones you see today.

Ancient minting made use of simple tools to melt metals and pour them into a simple mould. Design depended mainly on skill and handwork, and these were placed on two dies which are later cast on the metal blanks, both top and bottom.

This method has been used continuously until the 16th century, when there was a higher demand for coins, and the thickness had to be reduced to accommodate the need for more coins. It was then that the use of a hammer to produce thinner coins was used.

Around 1550, a German silversmith introduced coin minting with the screw press. It was after this that new methods followed, such as the use of the rocker press and the rotary press.

During the Industrial Revolution, the process of minting has been developed with the help of more capable machines. In this era, the introduction of minting machinery like the toggle press enabled minting of multiple coins in a minute. This principle is still applied in modern day minting machinery, although because of technology, production is at a much greater rate.

There is a rich history in coins and coin making that makes coin collection a hobby and a profession as well. Many people have taken interest in coin collections, and coins in many forms– ancient or modern. One of the most ordered coins today are the Canadian Coins, which are minted by the Royal Canadian Mint.

The Royal Canadian Mint has its own steps in making the finest coins. Here’s how your Canadian coins are made in a brief summary:

  1. Concasting

Silver is melted and into bars and these blocks are cut into smaller pieces. A planer removes a thin layer of silver on each piece, so as to display a shinier and non-oxidized silver which will be ideal for coin making.

  1. Rolling

The silver is then thinned out between two rollers in the roughing mill. The thinned silver will then undergo annealing, finishing and blanking.

  1. Preparation for striking

In this phase, two stages occur. First is rimming, where a machine removes the rough edge and a raised rim is added to the metal blank. Second is degreasing, where the blanks are dipped in alcohol and hot water for 15 minutes.

  1. Striking

There are two types of striking: Manual and Automatic. Automatic Striking is done for non-precious metals. Manual Striking is done for gold, silver and platinum blanks.

  1. Engraving

This includes etching and copying, reducing and die making.

Coin making is a wonder in itself, it requires a lot of inspection, dedication, skill and creativity and expertise. Collectors take pride in their high grade coins. Colonial Acres Coins aids collectors in finding the coins of their choosing, and at the best possible form. A coin is a product of hard work and creativity, and symbolizes many things over the course of history. Now that you know how coins are made, you will never look at them the same way again.