1981 Canada Specimen Coin Set – Royal Canadian Mint

Description

The 1981 Canada Specimen Coin Set is an official collector issue from the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), featuring six Canadian circulating denominations struck in the Mint’s distinctive Specimen finish. Specimen coins are specially produced for collectors and display enhanced detail, with frosted reliefs and smooth, satin-like backgrounds that are superior to regular circulation strikes and distinct from proof coinage.

This set is housed in a booklet-style presentation holder, providing both protection and an organized display of the coins.

Design Highlights

Obverse (Front): Queen Elizabeth II
All six coins feature the right-facing effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by the Latin inscription ELIZABETH II · D · G · REGINA. The specimen striking enhances portrait detail and overall clarity.

Reverse (Back): Classic Canadian Coinage Designs

• $1 Dollar (Voyageur): Traditional Voyageur canoe scene representing Canada’s fur trade heritage

• 50 Cents: Royal Coat of Arms of Canada with the motto A Mari Usque Ad Mare

• 25 Cents: Caribou in profile

• 10 Cents: Bluenose schooner

• 5 Cents: Beaver on a log

• 1 Cent: Maple leaf twig

These timeless designs reflect Canada’s history, wildlife, and national identity.

Key Features

• Royal Canadian Mint Issue: Official 1981 specimen collector set

• Specimen Finish: Frosted devices with refined satin-like fields

• Complete Six-Coin Set: Includes all circulating denominations from penny to dollar

• Limited Mintage: Only 71,300 sets produced

• Uncirculated Quality: Coins preserved in UNC condition

• Collector Friendly: A desirable early-1980s specimen issue

Specifications

• Country: Canada

• Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

• Year: 1981

• Denominations: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1

• Finish: Specimen

• Mintage: 71,300 sets

• Certification: Uncertified

Composition

• 1 Cent: Bronze

• 5 Cents: Nickel

• 10 Cents: Nickel

• 25 Cents: Nickel

• 50 Cents: Nickel

• $1 Dollar: Nickel

Packaging

• Packaging: Coins sealed in original transparent plastic

• Presentation: Royal Canadian Mint booklet-style holder

• Condition: Coins in uncirculated specimen condition; light, normal wear to holder may be present (see photos)

🪙 Why Collect This Set?

The 1981 Canada Specimen Coin Set offers collectors a well-balanced combination of low mintage, classic Canadian designs, and refined specimen finish. Its booklet-style presentation and early-1980s date make it a solid addition for collectors building Canadian specimen year sets or seeking high-quality examples of Canada’s circulating coinage.