1989 Canada Select Gem Uncirculated Proof-Like Set – Presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case

Description

The 1989 Canada Select Gem Uncirculated Proof-Like (Specimen) Set is an official collector issue from the Royal Canadian Mint, featuring six standard Canadian circulation coins struck with the Mint’s distinctive specimen finish. This finish combines frosted design elements with finely textured, satin-like fields, offering superior eye appeal compared to regular business strikes.

This set represents Canada’s circulating coinage during the early Loonie era and includes the $1 Common Loon (“Loonie”), which had fully replaced the Voyageur dollar by this time. The coins are securely housed in a rigid clear plastic holder and presented in an official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case, accompanied by the original bilingual RCM specifications card, as shown in the photos.

The overall presentation is elegant, durable, and highly collectible, making this set ideal for year collectors, specimen collectors, or those seeking premium-quality Canadian base-metal coinage.

Design Highlights

Obverse (Front): Queen Elizabeth II

All six coins feature the right-facing effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by the inscription ELIZABETH II · D · G · REGINA. The specimen striking enhances contrast, bringing out sharp portrait detail and clean legends.

Reverse (Back): Classic Canadian Coinage Designs

• 1 Cent (Penny): Maple leaf twig

• 5 Cents (Nickel): Beaver on a log

• 10 Cents (Dime): Bluenose schooner

• 25 Cents (Quarter): Caribou in profile

• 50 Cents (Half Dollar): Royal Coat of Arms of Canada

• $1 Dollar (Loonie): Common loon swimming on water

These designs reflect Canada’s wildlife, heritage, and national symbolism during the late 1980s.

Key Features

• Royal Canadian Mint Issue: Official 1989 specimen collector set

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

• Specimen / Proof-Like Finish: Frosted designs with satin-like fields

• Complete Six-Coin Set: All standard circulating denominations for 1989

• Early Loonie Era: Features the iconic $1 Common Loon coin

• Premium Presentation: Housed in an official RCM hard presentation case

• RCM Specifications Card Included: Original bilingual insert shown in photos

Specifications

• Country: Canada

• Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

• Year: 1989

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

• Finish: Specimen / Proof-Like

• Grade: Uncirculated (UNC)

• Certification: Royal Canadian Mint (specifications card included)

Composition (per RCM specifications)

• $1 Dollar (Loonie): Nickel-plated bronze (11-sided)

• 50 Cents: Nickel

• 25 Cents: Nickel

• 10 Cents: Nickel

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

• 1 Cent: Bronze (12-sided)

Packaging

• Coins: Encased in original rigid clear plastic holder

• Case: Official Royal Canadian Mint hard presentation case

• Insert: Original bilingual RCM specifications card (pictured)

• Condition: Coins in excellent specimen condition; minor, normal wear to outer packaging possible (see photos)

🪙 Why Collect This Set?

The 1989 Canada Specimen Coin Set offers a refined snapshot of Canadian coinage from the early Loonie period. With its specimen finish, complete denomination lineup, original Royal Canadian Mint presentation case, and official specifications card, this set is a strong addition to any Canadian year set, specimen collection, or high-quality base-metal coin portfolio.