Canadian Hoard

A Treasure Trove of Canadian History.

In 2012, a remarkable discovery was made deep in the vaults of the Bank of Canada. Over 30,000 rare Canadian $10 and $5 gold coins from 1912 to 1914 were found, providing a glimpse into Canada's rich history and heritage. Moreover, unmistakable proof of the gold rush days that also occurred in Canada.  These coins were part of the Canadian Gold Hoard Reserve, a unique collection that has become a treasure trove of Canadian history.

The Canadian Gold Hoard Reserve was established after World War I when the Canadian government issued an order in council in 1914. Subsequently, it required all banks to send their gold coins, including Canadian $10 and $5 gold coins, to the Royal Mint in Ottawa.

In short, the "First Canadian Gold Coins" were struck around over a hundred years ago. The Dominion Government had 8,000 five-dollar and 8,000 ten-dollar gold coins struck in 1912. Gold coins valued at $600,000 had been distributed to Assistant-Receivers General across Canada by the conclusion of that summer. The gold coins were still being produced in 1914.

From the raw ingredients to the finished product, these first Canadian Gold Coins were created by the Mint in Canada. These were made almost completely of Canadian gold in 1912, the majority of it coming from the Klondike region.

What about the Gold Maple Leaf?

Interestingly, the Canadian Maple Leaf was struck in 1979 a was not the first Canadian gold coin. To clarify, Canada's first gold coins were