2014 $20 THE FIRST ROYAL VISIT, 75TH ANNIVERSARY - PURE SILVER COIN
 
This heartwarming one-ounce fine silver coin commemorates the 75th anniversary of the first time a reigning monarch visited North America; this engraving, from a beloved archival photograph, shows King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) standing on the platform of the Royal Train in 1939.
 
This Royal visit was iconic and memorable for several reasons: the 29-day journey across Canada covered almost 14,000km by rail, and was filled with instances and events that endeared Canadians toward the amicable George and Elizabeth. In 1985, the Queen Mother (who was known as 'the smiling duchess', and would live to be 101) toured Canada again, and stated in a speech, "It is now some 46 years since I first came to this country with the king, in those anxious days shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. I shall always look back upon that visit with feelings of affection and happiness. I think I lost my heart to Canada and Canadians, and my feelings have not changed with the passage of time."
 
This coin, which is limited to a mintage of 5,000, crafted in 99.99% silver and enhanced with an antique finish usually reserved for medals, celebrates Canada's long-standing relationship with the monarchy. It would make an excellent gift for any fan of the British Royal Family or history buff, or as a distinguished addition to any collection of fine silver.