2007 Proof Silver Dollar

The Canadian Royal Mint has introduced, for the first coin of 2007, the 2007 Proof Silver Dollar.

This splendid coin features Thayendanegea, also known as Joseph Brant.

"According to the Canadian Royal Mint, Thayendanegea was "…born in Ohio during a tumultuous era that defined North America, Thayendanegea's life was greatly influenced by an alliance with the British. Thayendanegea was given the Christian name of Joseph Brant and received an English education."

"Brant fought his first battle with the British when he was just a teenager. But this young warrior was also a visionary. Brant clearly understood that Native people faced inevitable change and united various nations to protect their interests."

"As war chief of the Six Nations and a British military captain, Brant was respected by both sides. And when the American War of Independence ended (1783), he acted as statesman and negotiated land for the Six Nations people."

"They settled in the Grand River Valley (Ontario) where Brant played a key role in their economic, political and religious lives, bringing a school, as well as a saw and grist mill to the community. Yet, despite this seemingly British way of life, Brant's vision of Native sovereignty persisted.
Thayendanegea was equally at ease with a tea cup or a tomahawk. He adopted a new culture without dishonoring his Native roots. Through his voice and his actions, Brant shaped much of Native Canada a truth that echoes throughout southwestern Ontario and in the town that bears his name."

The Royal Canadian Mint engravers adapted an original drawing by Laurie McGaw for this coin and the reverse features the stately portrait of Thayendanegea, war chief of the Six Nations, wearing a traditional headdress. On the obverse is an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

The coin specifications are:

Face Value: 1 dollar
Mintage: 65,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 25.175
Diameter (mm): 36.07
Edge: Reeded
Finish: Proof
Certificate: Serialized

There is a limited mintage of 65,000 coins only so you will need to be quick to ensure your get your 2007 Proof Silver Dollar coin!