The Library of Parliament – 2016 $25 Concave Pure Silver Coin

Description

The 2016 $25 Library of Parliament coin pays tribute to one of Canada’s most treasured architectural masterpieces. Built in the Gothic Revival style and opened in 1876, the Library of Parliament is widely regarded as the most beautiful room in Canada’s parliamentary buildings. Remarkably, it is the only remaining structure of the original Centre Block, having survived the devastating fire of 1916. Struck by the Royal Canadian Mint in 30.75 g of 99.99% pure silver, this extraordinary issue features an innovative concave shape and ultra high relief engraving with an antique finish, creating a breathtaking 360-degree viewing experience. Limited mintage enhances its collectible appeal. GST/HST exempt.

Special Features

• First concave-shaped coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint

• Innovative concave format recreates the Library’s iconic domed ceiling

• Ultra high relief engraving with a timeless antique finish

• Immersive 360-degree viewing perspective from within the Library

• Commemorates the Library’s opening in 1876 and its survival of the 1916 fire

• Crafted from 99.99% pure silver

• Limited mintage of 8,500 coins worldwide

• Each coin exhibits a unique antique finish appearance

• GST/HST exempt

Design

The reverse design showcases extraordinary depth and dimension made possible by the coin’s pronounced concave shape. The viewpoint places the observer at the base of the marble statue of Queen Victoria, gazing upward toward the Library’s magnificent domed ceiling. Surrounding the rim, intricately carved pine bookshelves encircle the scene, reinforcing the immersive, in-room experience. The antique finish highlights the precision of the ultra high relief engraving, emphasizing architectural details and lending historic character to the design. Beneath the statue, a banner bears the engraved commemorative dates “1876–2016.” The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

Historical Significance

Completed in 1876, the Library of Parliament was designed with openness, beauty, and safety in mind. Its first librarian, Alpheus Todd, insisted on fireproof iron doors and a structure separate from Centre Block. These decisions proved critical on February 3, 1916, when a fire engulfed Parliament. Thanks to the swift actions of clerk Michael MacCormac and first responders, the iron doors were closed in time, saving the Library and thousands of irreplaceable books. This coin honors both the architectural brilliance of the Library and the human actions that preserved it.

Packaging

The coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a black beauty box, ensuring elegant protection and display.

Specifications

• Year: 2016

• Face Value: $25

• Composition: 99.99% pure silver

• Weight: 30.75 g

• Diameter: 36.07 mm

• Finish: Proof with antique finish

• Shape: Concave

• Mintage: 8,500

• Reverse: Interior dome of the Library of Parliament

• Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II

• Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II

• Theme: Canadian Architecture & Heritage

Why Collect This Coin?

This remarkable concave silver coin transforms one of Canada’s most iconic interiors into a sculptural numismatic experience. With its unprecedented shape, ultra high relief engraving, and historical significance, the Library of Parliament coin stands as a true masterpiece of modern minting and a must-have for collectors of architectural, heritage, and innovative Canadian coinage.