1971 Canada Elizabeth II, Modified reverse 10 Cents BU

About the 1971 Canada Elizabeth II, Modified reverse 10 Cents BU

It pairs the 2nd portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the mature, tiara-wearing effigy sculpted by Arnold Machin, with a refined version of the celebrated Bluenose reverse. The famous schooner, originally modelled by Emanuel Hahn and long a symbol of Nova Scotia's seafaring heritage and Canadian maritime pride, was reworked for this type by Mint engraver Myron Cook. He rendered a slightly smaller vessel with subtly altered rigging, sails and waves, giving the design a cleaner, more open appearance that remained in use for many years. Struck in 99.9% nickel, these coins are noticeably magnetic and harder than their silver predecessors, which affected striking quality and makes well-defined examples of the rigging and water lines especially appealing to discerning collectors. Production at both the Ottawa facility and the newer Winnipeg facility reflects the expansion of the Mint's capacity during the reign of Elizabeth II. Collectors value the type for its role in documenting Canada's transition to base metal coinage, for the study of the subtle differences between the original and modified schooner designs, and as an accessible yet historically meaningful component of any Canadian decimal collection.