1996 Canadian Proof Set (50 cent, 25 cent, 10 cent, 5 cent are 92.5% Ag Sterling Silver)

The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to present the 1996 proof set of Canadian coinage..  This is the only set available that features both the commemorative silver dollar and the aureate dollar depicting the common loon.  For the very first time, the fifty cent, twenty-five cent, ten cent, and five cent coins in the Proof Set are composed of Sterling silver (92.5% AG). The composition of the dollar coins and one cent piece remain the same as previous years.

This year the commemorative silver dollar celebrates the discovery of the McIntosh apple.  Designed by Canadian artist Roger Hill, the reverse of the coin symbolizes the McIntosh family's contribution to Canada's agricultural and horticultural growth an development.  Immigrating to Canada in 1796, John McIntosh later discovered an orchard of apple trees while farming land near Dundela, Ontario. One particular tree bore the delicious tasting fruit know today as the McIntosh.  John's son, Allen McIntosh, learned the skill of grafting from a farm hand in order to reproduce this preferred fruit on other trees.  The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Dora de Pedery-Hunt.