Collectors know that many of the world’s silver coins of this vintage are easy to find in nicer condition, and in fact, many of the coins are easier to find nice than they are well-worn. The reasons are familiar to us: a change of government, private or public hoarding, a severe inflation or a currency collapse, or…but none of that explains the preservation of this coin. Canada’s George V 25-cent pieces like this one were not too uncommon in circulation into the 1950s, and occasionally could still be seen during the early 1960s. Very many of these 1917 25-cent pieces are—or were, before the big silver melts—worn smooth, often with virtually unreadable dates.
1917. Canada was at war, and the outcome was very much in doubt. Like the other Dominions in the British Empire, Canada’s wartime exertions were giving it a heightened sense of itself. But there was no special 1917 “Golden Jubilee of Confederation” coinage—there were too many other things to do.
Like minting coins for Jamaica, because the Atlantic presented risks that could be avoided by employing the branch mint at Ottawa. So beginning in 1917, Newfoundland too--for a time--had its coins minted in Canada.
Not coincidentally, this 1917 Canadian 25-cent piece was joined by a 1917C Newfoundland 25-cent piece of identical size and weight, using the same obverse. For many years Canadians—particularly in the east—had been unhappy with the confusion caused by Newfoundland’s 20-cent piece. Beginning in 1917, however, it would be 25-cent pieces on both sides of the border.
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