2006 $5 Silver Coin & Stamp Set – Canadian Forces Snowbirds

Description

The 2006 Canada $5 Snowbirds Coin and Stamp Set is a special joint issue by the Royal Canadian Mint and Canada Post, celebrating the world-renowned Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Canada’s elite military aerobatics team.

This set features one of the world’s first double-holographic pure silver coins, struck in .9999 fine silver with a proof finish. As the coin is tilted in the light, two full-colour holographic images dramatically transform, created entirely through the refraction of light on pure silver without the use of paint or ink.

The presentation is completed with four matching 51-cent Snowbirds stamps, including mint and specially cancelled examples, along with a full-colour informational booklet and a numbered plaque. Everything is housed in a distinctive silver metal presentation case shaped like the Snowbirds logo, making this set both visually striking and highly collectible.

Design Highlights

Obverse (Front): Queen Elizabeth II

• Effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

• Proof-quality strike with mirrored fields and frosted relief

Reverse (Back): Snowbirds Double-Holographic Design

• First holographic image: Pilot’s-eye cockpit view with Snowbirds reflected in formation

• Second holographic image: One of the team’s signature aerobatic formations

• Uses transparent and layered holographic effects to create motion and depth

Artist: Jianping Yang

Key Features

• World-First Technology: One of the earliest double-holographic silver coins

• Pure Silver: Struck in .9999 fine silver

• Proof Finish: Exceptional clarity, contrast, and detail

• Joint Issue: Royal Canadian Mint & Canada Post collaboration

• Complete Presentation: Coin, stamps, booklet, plaque, and custom metal case

Specifications (Coin)

• Country: Canada

• Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

• Year: 2006

• Denomination: $5 CAD

• Composition: 99.99% Silver

• Finish: Proof

• Weight: 25.16 g (≈ 0.810 troy oz)

• Diameter: 36.07 mm

• Edge: Serrated

Stamp & Presentation Details

• Stamps Included:

  • 2 × 51-cent Snowbirds stamps (mint)

  • 2 × 51-cent Snowbirds stamps on a specially cancelled souvenir sheet

• Additional Items:

  • Full-colour Snowbirds booklet

  • Numbered plaque

• Case: Silver metal box shaped like the Snowbirds logo

Mintage Information (Important Clarification)

• Maximum authorized mintage: 25,555 sets

• Actual mintage produced: 10,034 sets
  (per the 2007 Royal Canadian Mint Annual Report)

This significantly lower final mintage enhances the scarcity and collector appeal of the set.

Condition

• Condition: Mint / Proof

• Certification: Uncertified

• Packaging: Original Royal Canadian Mint metal presentation case with complete contents

Why Collect This Set?

This is one of the most technologically innovative modern Canadian silver issues, combining military aviation heritage, cutting-edge holography, and a rare coin-and-stamp collaboration. A standout piece for Snowbirds fans, military memorabilia collectors, and modern silver enthusiasts.