The History Behind The Canadian $20 Note

As one of the most common banknotes used in Canada, the $20 note is one that is well-known by visitors as well as residents of the country. The bank note is the main form of currency provided by automatic banking machines and has changed over the years, with the most recent version, known as the Frontier Series polymer note, having been released in November of 2012. This new note replaced the Canadian Journey Series $20 bill.

Present Day
Currently Canadian paper money features a $20 banknote from the Frontier Series. This note replaced the $20 note created in the Canadian Journey Series. The new note was created in 2012, on November 7th and features a photo of Queen Elizabeth II on the face side. On the back, the Vimy Ridge memorial is featured. The window of the bill shows the Peace Tower.
History of the $20 Banknote
The first $20 note was released in 1935 and featured Princess Elizabeth on the obverse side and agriculture allegory on the reverse side. Two years later a new note was produced with George VI on the obverse and fertility allegory on the reverse.

Years would pass until 1954 when a new note was created. This time, the $20 note would feature Elizabeth II on the obverse with a winter landscape on the reverse featuring the Laurentian Mountains and Quebec. By 1969 and then 1979, a new note was created in the category of Scenes of Canada. One note featured Moraine Lake while another had the Canadian Rockies. Each had Elizabeth II on the obverse side.

It was in 1991 that the Birds of Canada series was created with a common loon on the reverse side and Elizabeth II on the obverse. The series changed again in 2004 with the introduction of the Canadian Journey Series. This note featured artwork by Bill Reid and an excerpt from The Hidden Mountain, a novel by Gabrielle Roy.

The $20 note used today is from the Frontier Series which was created in 2012. This bill has the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on the reverse with poppies with Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Collecting Paper Money
Many individuals like to collect paper money, especially banknotes from Canada. The $20 note is one that is desirable due to the unique series that have been produced throughout the years. Many collectors like to have a note from each series, with certain series having multiple printings. An example of this would be the Canadian Journey Series which had printings in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009. Many collectors enjoy searching for the 1935 series as it was created in a rose pink color rather than the olive green or standard green as bills created afterwards.

To learn more about Canadian paper money or to start your own collection, contact Colonial Acres Coins. Specializing in coins and paper money, Colonial Acres can assist you with finding unique items as well as appraising your collection for value.

Traits and Values Every Coin Collector Should Have

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

Have 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

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?

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.

Famous Celebrity Coin Collectors

Coin collecting began in the ancient times and it was then only afforded by great kings and emperors. Because coins were very expensive and were not widely circulated, only the royals have access to them.

Over time, many people have poured time, effort and money to build themselves their own great coin collection. Any Tom, Dick or Harry can start their own numismatic collection as long as they have the passion to bring their craft to new heights.

The beauty of coin collecting also appeals to many celebrities and some of them have their own noteworthy collections to boast of:

1. Nicole Kidman – According to Glamour Vanity, this Australian award-winning actress collects ancient coins of Judea.

2. James Earl Jones – A recipient of Golden Globe and Tony Awards, James Earl Jones quipped this in an educational program, “Money: History in Your Hands”: “Money. It’s difficult to imagine a world without it… But what exactly is money? Money can be many things. It’s coins and currency, credit cards and checks. But in some cultures it can be stones, feathers, beads, salt and tobacco, even seashells. Money can represent something else, too. You’ve heard the expressions, ‘Money is the root of all evil’; ‘Money makes the world go ’round’; and how about, ‘Money talks.’ Each piece of money has a story to tell: the people, places and events portrayed on it, those who made it, the way it was made, and why it was made. Money: it’s history you can hold in your hands!”

3. Buddy Ebsen. Frank Ebsen, or more popularly known as Buddy, was an American actor and singer, who was also a numismatist. One of his famous numismatic belongings was a four-dollar gold piece that was worth approximately $200,000.

4. John Quincy Adams. While not typically falling under the more common celebrity description, the sixth President of the United States collected ancient coins such as the Domitian, Augustus and Trajan.

 

Like these celebrities, you can start with your own collection today. Your collection need not be as grand as their collection in the beginning. You can start with beginner coins and paper money and discover what you are more inclined to focus on later on.

Always remember that coin collecting is a craft and at the same time, a hobby that you should enjoy. The pleasure of finding that perfect coin or paper money that would complete your stack is something that many numismatists swear by. Make it a family tradition or a personal advocacy to find coins and paper money that tell a colorful history of its origins. Always be on the lookout for them by visiting trusted coin shops like Colonial Acres Coins which is one of the leading numismatic shops in the industry that can give you quality and reliable service for all your numismatic needs.