10 cents 2021 - Coloured Bluenose
By thecanadiannumismatist | Wednesday, 27 October 2021
To celeberate the 100th anniversary of the Bluenose, the Mint has re-designed and launched a new 10 cents with a new design by Nova Scotia marine artist Yves Bérubé. To add to this occasion, the Mint also launched Canada's first-ever coloured dimes, featuring a touch of blue that brings to life Bluenose. All other 10-cent coins manufactured this year with the classic schooner reverse design are also being doubled-dated 1921-2021.
When our circulation coins were re-designed in 1937 to celebrate Canada's favourite national symbols, Bluenose inspired the design of the 10-cent coin. Today, we are thrilled to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bluenose with a new design that will circulate from coast to coast to coast as we reaffirm our pride in an enduring icon of Canadian know-how and innovation.
- Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint
History
Soon after slipping into the waters of Lunenburg Harbour from the Smith and Rhuland Shipyard in March 1921, Bluenose was the sleekest and fastest fishing schooner the world had ever seen. In its first season, Bluenose both hauled in a record catch on the Grand Banks and brought the International Fishermen's Trophy back to Nova Scotia. In addition to proving itself an outstanding working vessel, Bluenose remained undefeated in this racing series and proudly defended the title Queen of the North Atlantic Fishing Fleet over nearly 20 years of racing. Bluenose also represented Canada on the international stage with memorable appearances at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933 at His Majesty King George V's Silver Jubilee in 1935.
There was nothing blue about Bluenose–the ship's hull was painted black and red with a yellow strip. Bluenose is a nickname for Nova Scotians, and the use of the term dates back to at least 1785.
Seven other ships bore the name Bluenose before the famous schooner, and all were built in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia shipyards.
A newly built Bluenose was launched with great fanfare on March 26, 1921. But Bluenose was the star of another special event that took place three months prior, when the Duke of Devonshire (then Governor General of Canada) was invited to drive a golden spike in a formal keel-laying ceremony.
Design
On the reverse of the coin, artist Yves Bérubé's tribute to Bluenose shows an angled view of the famous schooner, under full sail and heeled to port on the open sea. This dynamic portrayal of a ship that always left the competition in its wake can be found in both uncoloured and coloured versions, both of which are also double-dated 1921-2021. A ground-breaking first for a 10-cent circulation coin, the coloured version features contrasting blue paint highlighting the deep waters of the North Atlantic.
The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Specifications
- Composition: three-ply nickel finish plated steel
- Finish: uncirculated
- Weight: 1.75 g
- Diameter: 18.03 mm
- Edge: reeded
- Artistes: Yves Bérubé (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
- Mintage: 6 millions coloured coins and 9 millions non-coloured
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