1 Dollar - Craigellachie, British Columbia 1985

Weight

12.9 g

Diameter

33 mm

Thickness

NA

Material

Nickel plated steel

Shape

Round

Edge Type

Reeded

Technique

Milled

Front design

Sir Donald Smith, director of the Canadian Pacific Railway, ceremonially driving in the "Last Spike" and thus completing the railway.

Back design

Steam locomotive heading over bridge

Year of Minting

1985

Location

Canada

Mint location

NA

Mint mark

NA

Orientation

Medal alignment ↑↑

Inscriptions

Obverse: THE LAST SPIKE Craigellachie, British Columbia November 7, 1885 CANADA LINKED FROM SEA TO SEA Reverse: A SALUTE TO CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY PIONEERS EXPIRES NOVEMBER 7, 1985 VALUE $1.00 IN CRAIGELLACHIE

Context

The Canadian Pacific Railway is an instrumental part of Canadian history. A promised railway linking Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific was a great help in the efforts to create one Canadian Confederation out of many (sometimes reluctant) British colonies. After many difficulties, it was completed in 1881 at Craigellachie, opening up Canada's West to the rest of the world. This feat of engineering spanned the North American continent and is still reflected in Canada's state motto: "From Sea to Sea". Craigellachie appears to be a minor settlement whose only claim to fame is being the location of the CPR's completion. Because of this low population, it's unknown why this token has a huge mintage of 250,000. Presumably, it was meant to be sold in large numbers to passing tourists. Restrikes exist, some with no value or expiry date. Image of restrike with no expiration date nor value.

Rarity

Rare

Coin type

Local coins

In circulation

No

Demonetized

Yes

Marketplace listings

0