1999 $1 Silver Proof – 225th Anniversary Queen Charlotte Island

In 1774, Spanish explorer Juan Perez sailed north from Monterey, California on board the Santiago.  His orders were to claim as much land as possible on the northern coast of North America for Spain and to report on the Russian presence.  The Perez voyage was the first documented expedition to go so far north on behalf of  Spain.  During the journey Perez sighted a wedge-shaped group of islands that we now know as the Queen Charlotte Islands, called Haida Gwaii by the original inhabitants.  Though bad weather prevented the Spainards from landing, they did trade  with the Haida who came out to meet them in canoes.

The reverse of this coin, designed by Artist David Craig, portrays Haida canoes approaching The Santiago, a 225-ton frigate large enough to carry a crew of 86 officers and men and one of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

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

Denomination - Canadian One Dollar

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

Weight - 25.175g

Diameter - 36.07mm

Mint - Royal Canadian Mint