2009 - $20 Fine Silver Coin - Great Canadian Locomotives: Jubilee

Theme: Railway travel picks up speed
Fifty years after Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) completed its transcontinental railway, a new generation of sleek, efficient-looking locomotives was fuelling renewed interest in trains throughout North America. The Jubilee, aptly named for the CPR's milestone anniversary, captured peoples' imaginations with its high-speed, semi-streamlined design and was soon being referred to as, "The Flying Ace of the Steel Rails".

Introduced in 1936, this specially-designed 4-4-4* F2a type locomotive featured nickel-steel, high pressure boilers and giant 80-inch (203 cm) diameter driving wheels that were capable of delivering sustained speeds over 160 kph (99.4 mph). In fact, of the five engines that were built, number 3003 earned itself an enviable spot in the history books by clocking a speed of 181 kph (112.5 mph)—a record that remained unchallenged for 40 years!

It was an era of excitement and innovation. More than half a million Canadians welcomed Jubilees as special exhibition trains headed into towns across the country before entering regular passenger service. Engines 3000 and 3002 powered the Royal York between Toronto and Windsor (Ontario); engine 3001, the Calgary-Edmonton (Alberta) Chinook; and engines 3003 and 3004, the Montreal-Quebec City (Quebec) Viger.

Highlights: Train enthusiasts and numismatists alike will be captivated by this stunning pure silver coin showcasing the Jubilee with every detail expertly crafted in the tradition of old-world engraving. The name, “Jubilee” is engraved along the coin's edge to add a unique and very collectible touch.

Reverse: The Jubilee's signature sleek, streamlined design that ushered in an exciting new era of rail in 1936.

*These numbers designate the wheel configuration; in this case four leading wheels, four driving wheels and four trailing wheels.

specifications:
- Face Value: 20 dollars
- Mintage: 10,000
- Composition: 99.99% pure silver
- Weight (g): 31.39
- Diameter (mm): 38
- Edge: Plain with edge-lettering - 'Jubilee'
- Finish: Proof
- Certificate: Serialized