2000 $20 Silver Proof Transportation 2000 – Steam Buggy

The H.S. Taylor Steam Buggy - Of Dust and Steam

When innovator Henry Seth Taylor first exhibited his “mechanical curiosity” at a fair in Stanstead, Quebec in 1867, the steam hoses burst, stalling the vehicle and hiding Taylor in a cloud of steam.  Still, Taylor persisted and he returned the following year to complete a successful lap around the track.

Taylor used his unique steam buggy for a period of time until it was damaged and subsequently stored away in the family barn until it was rediscovered in 1960.  It was restored and put on display at the Ontario Science Centre (1969) and was purchased by the National Museum of Science and Technology in 1983.  The H.S. Taylor Steam Buggy is considered to be the first Canadian automobile and one of the earliest steam cars in North America.  It is recognised as one of the oldest surviving operable automobiles in the world.

The adaptation of a horse-drawn carriage for steam propulsion is clearly visible in the design by Canadian artist John Mardon that appears on the reverse of this coin.  The coin also features a Hologram cameo.

The coin comes encapsulated and presented in a dark grey case. It is protected by a Royal Canadian Mint branded beauty box and it is accompanied by a booklet of authenticity

Denomination - Twenty Canadian Dollars

Composition - Silver Proof (92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper)

Weight - 31.103g

Diameter - 38mm

Worldwide Mintage Limit - 15,000

Mint - Royal Canadian Mint