Just as 2023 represents a year of transition for Canadian coinage with the final issues of the late Queen Elizabeth II, 1947 was also a year of significant change for Canadian coins. This two ounce fine silver coin with selective gold plating provides an interesting historical retrospective of the changes made to our five cent denomination more than 75 years ago. Mintage is limited to just 5,500 coins. HST/GST exempt.From the first appearance of King George VI on Canadian coins in 1937 through to 1947, the Latin motto around the portrait of the King read “GEORGIVS VI D:G: REX ET IND: IMP:” This translates to George VI, By the Grace of God (Dei Gratia), King and Emperor of India. However, when India gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947, the title of the King needed to be changed. While the original design coins could be continued until the end of 1947, new dies with a changed motto were still not ready in early 1948. With a need for coinage for circulation, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to continue to issue 1947 coinage into early 1948, showing the new issue with a maple leaf added after the date. By the fall of 1948, new 1948 coinage went into production with the modified motto “GEORGIVS VI DEI GRATIA REX” (George VI, By the Grace of God King). The Design: The 1947 maple leaf reverse design features a proof quality rendition of Canada’s familiar beaver that has appeared on our coinage for over 85 years, while the obverse features His Majesty King George VI with the date 2023.
