References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2008 June 25.

1965-1979

1980-1989

1990-1994

1995-1997

1998-1999

2000-2002

2003-2004

2005-2006

2007-end

1980 January 30 A proclamation sets the design of the 1980 $100 gold coin, featuring an Inuit in a kayak, effective January 1, 1980. [110.389] February The Royal Canadian Mint sets the price of the 1980 silver dollar coin at $22. [210.9] March 1 The Royal Canadian Mint begins selling 1980 silver dollar coins. [210.9] [629.1] (month unknown) The Royal Canadian Mint begins accepting orders for the 1980 $100 gold Proof coin. Price is $430. Mintage is limited to 300,000. [635] [642.1] August 20 In Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, the Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 1980 $100 gold coin, commemorating 100 years since the Arctic islands were transferred from Great Britain to Canada. The coin's image, depicting an Inuk hunting in a kayak, was designed by Arnaldo Marchetti. [22.1] (September 1 [7]) (August 22 [389.361]) September 1 The 1980 $100 gold coin is made available to the public, for $430. [22] [389.361] December 18 A proclamation sets the design of the 1981 $100 gold coin featuring notes of the National Anthem. [115.711] 1981 January 20 The Minister of Supply and Services announces designs for the 1981 silver dollar and $100 gold coins. The silver dollar marks the 100th anniversary of the approval of the government to build the Trans-Canada railway. The $100 gold coin celebrates the adoption, in 1980, of O Canada as the national anthem. [28.1] [31.1] (February [8]) January 30 Yvon Gariepy announces that the Royal Canadian Mint will strike Proof coin sets and silver dollars for the first time in Canada. The coins will be available in March. [30.1] [8] May 14 A proclamation refines the description of the 1981 $100 gold coin, making the four notes of "O Canada" musically accurate. [116.1720] The Royal Canadian Mint announces a change to the design of the 1981 $100 gold coin. The modified design adds detail and accuracy to the representation of the first four notes of the national anthem. [28.1] July The Royal Canadian Mint announces the availability of the 1981 Royal Wedding Philatelic / Numismatic Cover. [152.19] The government Minister of Supply and Services extends the Royal Canadian Mint's gold bullion (Maple Leaf) program for another ten years. [256.2] [692.B12] July 28 In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Minister of Supply and Services unveils the "O Canada" design for the 1981 $100 gold coin. [10] [26] [65] [667.1] September 1 The 1981 $100 gold coin goes on sale. [26] [28.1] December 15 In Regina, Saskaschewan, the Supply and Services Minister launches the 1982 commemorative silver dollar, marking the centennial of the city. The reverse was designed by Huntley Brown. [39.1] December 17 A proclamation allows the year on the $50 gold bullion coin to be the year of issue, effective January 1, 1982. [111.686] 1982 January 21 A proclamation sets the design of the 1982 silver $1 coin, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Regina, Saskatchewan, effective March 1, 1982. [111.688] February 18 A proclamation changes the weight of the $20 gold bullion coin to 240.51 grains, with fineness 0.9999, and adds $5 and $10 gold bullion coins, of weights 48.32 and 120.34 grains, respectively. The inscriptions on the coins are 1/2 ounce ($20), 1/4 ounce ($10), and 1/10 ounce ($5). [113.1616] April 2 A proclamation refines the description of the 1982 silver $1 coin, specifying the design and words to appear. [113.1614] April 22 The federal cabinet approves production of a Constitution-themed $100 gold coin. Mintage is limited to 200,000. [44.6] June 7 A proclamation sets the design of the 1982 $100 gold coin, commemorating the patriation of the Canadian Constitution. [114.2120] June At the Gold Institute's symposium on gold in Washington, D.C., the Royal Canadian Mint unveils trial strikes of one-tenth ($5 face) and one-quarter ounce ($10) versions of the Maple Leaf gold bullion coin. [43.1] August 20 The Royal Canadian Mint announces the issuance of the $100 gold coin commemorating the patriation of the Canadian Constitution. [40.1] September 21 A proclamation changes the fineness indicated on the $5, $10, $20, and $50 gold bullion coins to "9999". [112.3298] October 19 Mint Master Corkery announces 1/4 and 1/10 ounce gold Maple Leaf coins, to be on sale in early November. [681.1] November The Royal Canadian Mint introduces the 1/10 ounce Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin, with a face value of $5, and the 1/4 ounce coin with face value $10. The 0.9999 fine gold coins are a first in the world for the Mint. (The coins are needed in Japan, to avoid the 15% commodity tax on purchases over $370.) [157.1] [254.173] [319] [663.32] [661.160] December 9 A proclamation sets the design of the 1983 silver $1 coin, commemorating the Universiade in Edmonton. [101.494] 1983 February 22 In Stuttgart, Germany, the Royal Canadian Mint begins a three-year tour of Canadian coins in the country, including the launch of the 1983 $1 silver commemorative coin. [687.11] March 3 In Edmonton, Alberta, Minister Jean-Jacques Blais launches the 1983 $1 silver commemorative coin. [687.11] March 24 A proclamation sets the design of the 1983 $100 gold coin, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of St. John's, Newfoundland. [102.1511] (month unknown) The minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint announces the theme for the 1983 $100 gold coin, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the landing of Sir Humphrey Gilbert at St. John's, to formally take possession of Newfoundland in the name of the Queen, establishing the area as the first British colony in the New World. The 22-karat 1/2-ounce 91.7% pure gold coin would have a maximum mintage of 200,000. [688.1] June The 1983 $100 gold coin is officially unveiled. [688.1] September 1 The Royal Canadian Mint issues the 1983 $100 gold coin. For the first time on a Canadian coin, the coin features security lettering of "Canada" on the edge. Issue price is $310. [692.1] September 26 During the week, the Royal Canadian Mint holds press conferences in London, Frankfurt, and Vienna to launch the 1983 $100 gold coin in Europe. [693.1] October The Federal Cabinet approves minting of a silver $1 coin to mark the 150th anniversary of the City of Toronto, depicting the skyline of the citym with a native in canoe in the water in the foreground. [694.1] December 19 A proclamation sets the designs of the 1984 commemorative silver dollar, effective January 1, 1984. [89.334] A proclamation sets the design of the 1984 $100 gold coin, effective January 1, 1984. [89.337] 1984 February In Toronto, the Royal Canadian mint launches the 1984 silver commemorative $1 coin, and presents the first coin struck to Toronto mayor Arthur Eggleton. [697.4] [698.1] September The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 1984 $100 gold coin, marking the 450th anniversary of Jacques Cartier's voyage of discovery to Canada. The reverse was designed by Carola Tietz. The 22-karat 1/2-ounce 0.917 fine gold coin will have a maximum mintage of 200,000. Issue price is $325. [703.1] October The federal government approves the theme and designs of the $1 silver and $100 gold coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of national parks. [708.1] November 20 A proclamation sets the design of the 1985 gold $100 coin, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Parks. [100.4326] November 30 A proclamation sets the design of the 1985 silver dollar commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Parks. [92.4378] December 21 The House of Commons passes legislation amending the Currency Act, authorizing the government to mint $20 silver coins, containing one-ounce of silver, 0.925 fine. The 1988 Olympic coin program will feature ten $20 coins, with a maximum mintage of 5 million coins. [709.1] [711.1] [717.9] 1985 (month unknown) Krause Publications announces winners of the Coin of the Year 1983 contest. Canada's 1983 silver $1 coin is second in Most Popular category. The 1983 $100 gold coin is third for Best Gold Coin. [711.1] February 18 The Royal Canadian Mint unveils 1985 $1 silver and $100 gold coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Parks system. The $1 coin features a design by Karel Rohlicek of a moose in a ountain lake. Issue price is $17.50 for the Proof coin. The $100 coin features a design by Hector Greville of a big horn sheep. Issue price is $325. [712.1] February 26 An Act to amend the Currency Act receives royal assent. It authorizes the minting of $20 silver coins, of fineness 0.925. [206] July 18 At the Canadian Numismatic Association convention in Regina, Saskatchewan, the Royal Canadian Mint Vice President of Marketing Robert Huot annouces that the 1988 Olympic coin program $20 coins would have an issue price of $37. [719.1] September The Royal Canadian Mint begins distribution of Maple Leaf gold bullion coins in Hong Kong. [215.B6] [271.B5] September 16 In Calgary, Alberta, the Royal Canadian Mint launches the 1988 Olympic Coin Program, in support of the 15th Olympic Winter Games in 1988. The first two $20 silver coins are now available, representing the winter sports of speed skating and downhill skiing. Issue price is $37 each. [68] [220.C11] [234.S2] [253.19] [259.39] [346.193] [661.287] [719.1] [721.1] October 11 A Royal proclamation, effective July 1, 1985, specifies the designs for ten $20 silver coins commemorating the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta. Sports represented are: Downhill Skiing, Speedskating, Biathlon, Hockey, Freestyle Skiing, Cross-country Skiing, Figure Skating, Curling, Ski Jumping, and Bobsled. [105.4399] (July 1 [206]) October The Royal Canadian Mint begins selling sets of ten $20 silver coins for the 1988 Olympic Games. [118.8] 1986 January Krause Publications announces winners of its 1984 Coin of the Year contest. The $100 gold coin featuring Jacques Cartier is tied for Best Gold Coin of the Year 1984. The same coin is also tied for Most Historically Significant Coin for 1984. [722.1] The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the design of the 1986 silver $1 coin, commemorating the centennial of the city of Vancouver. [722.1] February 25 In Toronto, Ontario, the Royal Canadian Mint issues the second series of 1988 Olympic coins, depicting hockey and biathlon. Issue price is $37 each. [661.288] [346.195] [723.1] March The Royal Canadian Mint releases the 3rd and 4th coins in the 1988 Olympic Coin Program series, depicting the sports of hockey and biathlon. [253.19] Krause Publications announces the final winner of its 1984 Coin of the Year contest. A panel of fifty judges votes Canada's $100 gold coin featuring Jacques Cartier as Coin of the Year for 1984. [724.1] March 25 At the Bank of Canada in Ottawa, World Coin News presents a "Coin of the Year" award to the Royal Canadian Mint for the 1984 $100 gold coin, judged "Best Gold - Most Historically Significant" in the 1984 Coin of the Year contest. [68] [724.10] July The Royal Canadian Mint introduces the 1/2 ounce Maple Leaf gold bullion coin, 0.9999 fine, with face value of $20. [254.173] [661.160] [726.1] July 8 A proclamation sets the design of the 1986 $100 gold coin, commemorating the International Year of Peace. [103.2998] July The Royal Canadian Mint announces the 1986 $100 22k gold coin, to commemorate the International Year of Peace. Mintage will be limited to 100,000 pieces; the coin will be available in mid-August, priced at $325. [727.1] August 7 The Royal Canadian Mint releases the 1986 $100 gold coin. Price is $325. [729.4] August 18 The Royal Canadian Mint issues the third series of 1988 Olympic coins, depicting cross-country skiing and free-style skiing. Issue price is $39.50 each. [661.288] (September [346.197]) December 22 A Royal proclamation, effective January 1, 1987, sets the design of a 1987 silver dollar. The silver dollar commemorates the 400th anniversary of John Davis' exploration of Baffin Island and area. [90.325] 1987 January The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the design of the 1987 $1 silver coin, commemorating the 1587 exploration of Cumberland Sound and Davis Strait by British explorer John Davis. [735.1] A panel of 65 international judges in Krause Publications' Coin of the Year contest votes Canada's 1985 $20 Olympic downhill skier as Most Popular coin. [736.1] March 14 In Edmonton, Alberta, Minister of Fitness and Amateur Sport Otto Jelinek announces the release of the fourth set of 1988 Olympic $20 coins, depicting figure skating and curling. Issue price is $39.50 each. [661.289] [737.1 (February [346.199]) May 28 A Royal proclamation authorizes the issue of and sets the design of the 1987 $100 gold coin, commemorating the 25th Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta, in 1988. [104.2216] August 11 The Royal Canadian Mint issues the fifth series of 1988 Olympic coins, depicting ski-jumping and bobsleigh. Issue price is $42 each. [661.289] (September [346.201]) October The Royal Canadian Mint begins selling the 1987 $100 gold coin, commemorating the 25th Olympic Winter Games. [346.203] 1988 January 14 A Royal proclamation specifies the design of the 1988 $1 silver coin, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the first industrial refinery in Canada, the Saint-Maurice Ironworks. [455.1081] (month unknown) A panel of judges in Krause Publications' 1986 Coin of the Year contest votes Canada's 1986 silver dollar first place in Best Silver Coin, and Best Crown categories. [740.1] April 28 A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the 1988 $100 gold coin mark the protection of the bowhead whale. [456.2521] July 11 The government announces that the Royal Canadian Mint will produce platinum and silver Maple Leaf bullion coins in 1989. [63.3847] [70.2] [381.25] (July 12 [67.561]) July 22 At the ANA convention in Cincinnatti, Ohio, Royal Canadian Mint master Lafontaine unveils the 1988 $100 gold coin, depicting a bowhead whale designed by Robert Ralph Carmichael. Issue price is $255. [746.1] [747.6] September 22 The Royal Canadian Mint begins production of a 0.9999 fine Silver Maple Leaf bullion coin, with face value of $5. [47] [70.2] [382.17] [748.1] The Royal Canadian Mint begins production of 0.9995 fine Platinum Maple Leaf bullion coins, with the following weights and face values: 1 ounce ($50), 1/2 ounce ($20), 1/4 ounce ($10), 1/10 ounce ($5). [47] [70.2] [382.17] [748.1] November 4 The Master of the Royal Canadian Mint presents a 1988 $100 gold commemorative coin to Commandant Jacques-Yves Cousteau in France. [70.4] November 10 A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the 1989 silver $1 coin commemorate Sir Alexander Mackenzie's discovery of the Mackenzie River. [457.4925] November 17 The Royal Canadian Mint officially launches the silver ($5) and platinum ($5, $10, $20, $50) Maple Leaf coins in six cities. (In the first six weeks, 1,062,000 troy ounces of silver and 64,200 troy ounces of platinum coins are sold.) [70.2] [226.B8] [254.175] [369.29] [752.1] [755.1] December 7 A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the $100 gold coin commemorate the 350th anniversary of the first European settlement at Sainte-Marie (Ontario). [458.25] 1989 February 22 The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the design for the 1989 $100 gold coin, commemorating the 350th anniversary of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, designed by David Craig. Issue price will be $245, with mintage limited to 65,000 coins. [751.1] The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the design for the 1989 $1 silver coin, commemorating the bicentennial of the discovery of the Mackenzie River by European explorers. Issue price is $21.95 Proof, $16.25 uncirculated. [751.1] June 22 A Royal proclamation, effective January 2, 1990, specifies that the obverse design of the following coins be changed to the design of the Queen by Dora de Pedery-Hunt: $50 gold, $20 gold, $10 gold, $5 gold, $50 platinum, $20 platinum, $10 platinum, $5 platinum, $5 silver. [459.3324] September 5 The Royal Canadian Mint issues a collector's edition Gold Maple Leaf coin, commemorating the 10th anniversary of issuing the bullion coins. [71.2] [83.1] [152.19] November 2 A Royal proclamation specifies that the design of the $1 silver coin commemorate the 300th anniversary of Henry Kelsey's voyager of exploration of the Canadian prairies. [460.4717] November 7 The Royal Canadian Mint begins selling the Maple Leaf gold bullion coin in Malaysia. [71.2] [48.21]