1987 Canada Select Gem Uncirculated Proof-Like Set – Presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case

Description

The 1987 Canada Select Gem Uncirculated Proof-Like (PL) Set is an official collector issue from the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), featuring six Canadian circulating denominations struck with a brilliant proof-like finish. Each coin displays mirror-like fields and sharply frosted design elements, offering noticeably higher quality than standard business strikes.

This set is especially significant in Canadian numismatics as 1987 marks the final year of the iconic Voyageur $1 dollar in regular collector sets, making the dollar coin a key highlight for collectors. The coins were carefully selected for superior strike quality, luster, and eye appeal, reflecting the Mint’s high standards during the late 1980s.

The set is sealed in its original plastic and presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case, accompanied by the original bilingual specifications insert / Certificate of Authenticity (COA), enhancing both display value and long-term collectability.

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, and encircled by the Latin inscription ELIZABETH II · D · G · REGINA. The proof-like striking emphasizes contrast between reflective fields and the frosted portrait.

Reverse (Back): Classic Canadian Coinage Designs

1 Cent (Penny): Maple leaf twig

5 Cents (Nickel): Beaver standing on a log

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

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

50 Cents (Half Dollar): 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 era
Note: 1987 is widely recognized as the final year the Voyageur dollar appeared in Royal Canadian Mint collector sets.

Key Features

Royal Canadian Mint Issue: Official 1987 proof-like collector set

Select Gem Quality: Coins chosen for superior strike, luster, and eye appeal

Proof-Like Finish: Brilliant mirrored backgrounds with crisp, frosted details

Final Voyageur Dollar: Last-year appearance of the iconic Voyageur $1 coin in collector sets

Complete Year Set: All six circulating denominations for 1987

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

Specifications

Country: Canada
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
Year: 1987
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

Packaging

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

🪙 Why Collect This Set?

The 1987 Canada Select Gem Proof-Like Set is a standout issue due to its final-year Voyageur dollar, classic Canadian designs, and refined proof-like finish. Combined with its official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case, this set holds strong appeal for collectors of Canadian proof-like year sets, Voyageur enthusiasts, and Royal Canadian Mint presentation series.