1958 – 1 Dollar Loonie Canada

The 1958 Canadian one-dollar coin is a commemorative silver coin marking the 100th anniversary of British Columbia’s establishment as a Crown Colony. It features a portrait of a 27-year-old Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, designed by Mary Gillick, and on the reverse, a totem pole typical of the Pacific Coast Native Canadians with coastal mountains in the background, designed by Stephen Trenka. This coin is often called the “Death dollar” because the sculptor subtly included a face symbolizing death at the bottom of the totem pole, a cultural symbol in First Nations tradition. The coin is composed of 80% silver, weighs approximately 23.33 grams, and is 36.06 mm in diameter. It holds both historical significance and collector’s value, with its worth varying based on condition, ranging from about CAD 32 in circulated states to over CAD 600 in high mint states. This coin captures a unique blend of Canadian heritage and artistry in numismatics.