2005 $8 Chinese Railways Workers Set Fine Silver - TAX Exempt

To persuade British Columbia to come into the fold of Confederation in 1871, Canada promised to build a transcontinental link by rail to join the commerce of the east to that of the west. No easy feat, the massive project of the Canadian Pacific Railway entailed cutting through mountains and building bridges to cross rivers and valleys. Thousands of Chinese workers toiled hard to help build the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Rocky Mountains of western Canada during the 19th century. Between 1880 and 1885 many of these workers lost their lives in the process of construction. Their sacrifices helped greatly to achieve a united Canada. For their dedication, Canadians should be proud of those Chinese workers who helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway, which was officially
completed on November 7, 1885.

The first coin depicts a scene from the Canadian Pacific Railway Archives (A-11416) of an empty ballast train standing on the rail bridge spanning the Fraser River near Cisco, B.C. On the second coin, Royal Canadian Mint engravers have reproduced the Memorial to Commemorate the Chinese Railway Workers in Canada, designed by artist Eldon Garnet, which was erected in 1989 in Toronto, Canada.

The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by artist Susanna Blunt.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Special features :
-bi-metallic coin, with gold-plating on the inner core
Face value : $8
Mintage : 20,000
Composition : 99.99% Pure silver
Weight (g) : 32.15
Diameter (mm) : 40
Edge : Serrated
Finish : Proof
Certiticate : Serialized
Artist : Mint engravers
Encapsulated and presented in a display case and protected by a beauty box.