History was made when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Canada in 1939. It was the first time a reigning monarch had ever traveled to North America, and for a young nation eager to flex its muscles of independence, the royal tour provided the perfect opportunity. Eight years earlier, a number of colonies had gained full sovereignty from British rule under the Statute of Westminster; for Canada, the Royal Tour would breathe life into that legal document in a real and dramatic way.

The royal tour was more than two years in the making; a grand, 29-day voyage across Canada from east to west and back again—almost 14,000 kilometres by rail. The royal train featured the best carriages that Canadian Pacific and the Canadian National Railway had to offer, with two specially fitted convertible McLaughlin-Buicks on board to tour the royal couple in cities and towns along the way.

An ultra high relief, frosted cameo engraving of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Royal Canadian Mint engravers re-created the King’s military hat to accurately represent the attire he wore during the royal tour of 1939. Royal Canadian Mint engravers reproduced archival photographs from the royal tour of 1939. The date and denomination are both indicated.

Coin is beautifully engraved with the added dimension and old-world craftsmanship of ultra-high relief. This exceptional technique is normally reserved for large medals and medallions, but has been applied to this coin to create an effigy that literally rises from the coin's surface, like a sculpture.

It would make an excellent gift for any fan of the British Royal Family or history buff, or a distinguished addition to any collection of fine silver.