1988 Canada Select Gem Uncirculated Proof-Like Set – Presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case

Description

The 1988 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 exhibits mirror-like fields and sharply frosted design elements, offering noticeably higher visual quality than standard circulation strikes.

This set represents an important transitional era in Canadian coinage, as it includes the $1 Loonie, which had recently replaced the Voyageur dollar and was quickly becoming a defining symbol of modern Canadian currency. The coins were carefully selected at the Mint for superior strike quality, luster, and eye appeal, making this a desirable year set for proof-like collectors.

The coins are sealed in their 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, surrounded by the Latin inscription ELIZABETH II · D · G · REGINA. The proof-like finish enhances contrast between the mirrored fields and 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): 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 (Loonie): Common loon on northern waters, a defining icon of modern Canadian coinage

Key Features

Royal Canadian Mint Issue: Official 1988 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

Early Loonie Era: Features the $1 Loonie, symbolizing Canada’s modern coinage transition

Complete Year Set: All six circulating denominations for 1988

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

Specifications

Country: Canada
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
Year: 1988
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 (Loonie): Nickel-bronze (multi-sided)

50 Cents: Nickel

25 Cents: Nickel

10 Cents: Nickel

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

1 Cent: Bronze

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 1988 Canada Select Gem Proof-Like Set offers collectors a refined snapshot of Canadian coinage during the early years of the iconic Loonie. With its mirror-like proof-like finish, classic national designs, and official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case, this set is an excellent addition for proof-like year collectors, modern Canadian type collectors, or those seeking a high-quality Mint-issued presentation set.