1983 Canada Select Gem Uncirculated Proof-Like Set – Presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case

Description

The 1983 Canada Select Gem Uncirculated Proof-Like (PL) Set is an official collector issue from the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), featuring six standard Canadian circulating denominations struck with a refined proof-like / specimen-style finish. Each coin displays brilliant mirrored fields and crisp, frosted design elements, offering noticeably higher visual quality than regular business strikes.

This issue represents a transitional period in Canadian collector coinage, combining classic circulating designs with upgraded Mint presentation. Unlike earlier red leatherette proof-like sets, the 1983 issue is presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case, accompanied by the original bilingual specifications insert / Certificate of Authenticity, enhancing both durability and display appeal.

Design Highlights

Obverse (Front): Queen Elizabeth II

All six coins feature the right-facing effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin, surrounded by the Latin inscription ELIZABETH II · D · G · REGINA. The proof-like striking produces strong contrast between reflective fields and frosted portrait details.

Reverse (Back): Classic Canadian Coinage Designs

1 Cent (Penny): Maple leaf twig with two leaves

5 Cents (Nickel): Beaver standing on a log

10 Cents (Dime): The Bluenose schooner, emblematic of Canada’s maritime heritage

25 Cents (Quarter): Caribou in profile, designed by Emanuel Hahn

50 Cents (Half Dollar): The Royal Coat of Arms of Canada with the motto A Mari Usque Ad Mare

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

Key Features

Select Gem Quality: Carefully selected for superior strike, luster, and eye appeal

Proof-Like Finish: Brilliant mirrored fields with crisp, frosted devices

Classic Voyageur Dollar: One of Canada’s most iconic circulating dollar designs

Timeless Canadian Coinage: Standard circulation designs elevated by proof-like striking

Premium Presentation: Housed in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case

Collector Friendly: A strong early-1980s proof-like / specimen-style issue

Specifications

Country: Canada
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
Year: 1983
Denominations: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1
Finish: Proof-Like (PL)
Collector Classification: Proof-Like / Select Gem Appeal

Composition Details (per official RCM specifications)

$1 Dollar (Voyageur): Nickel – 15.62 g

50 Cents: Nickel – 8.10 g

25 Cents: Nickel – 5.07 g

10 Cents: Nickel – 2.07 g

5 Cents: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) – 4.6 g

1 Cent: Bronze – 2.5 g (12-sided)

Packaging

Original Packaging: Presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case, complete with the original bilingual specifications insert / COA

Condition: Coins in excellent proof-like condition; light, normal wear to outer packaging possible (see photos)

🪙 Why Collect This Set?

The 1983 Canada Select Gem Proof-Like Set offers collectors a clean, high-quality snapshot of Canadian circulating coinage from the early 1980s. With its Voyageur dollar, refined proof-like finish, and upgraded Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case, it is an excellent addition to proof-like year sets, Canadian type collections, or Royal Canadian Mint presentation series.