2006 Sterling Silver Beaver $3 Coin (Gold Plated)

It's a historic first for the Royal Canadian Mint! This unique square coin was inspired by the trade tokens that came into use during the fur trade, the adventurous industry that drove much of Canada's development during the 17th and 18th centuries.

When trappers brought their furs to the trading posts, something was needed to represent the value of the pelts. At first, everything from porcupine quills, ivory discs and bits of wood or bone were used-anything that that the trapper and merchant agreed upon.

As the industry became more sophisticated, trade tokens began to appear. As the two parties went through the furs, tokens would be placed on the counter.

Once done, the trapper would use them to purchase goods from the store. Some trade tokens were square like this coin. Others featured the prize of the fur trade that also reigns as one of Canada's earliest forms of currency-the beaver!

Product specifications:
- Face Value: $3
- Mintage: 20,000
- Composition: 92.5% Silver, 7.5% copper; plated in 24KT Gold
- Weight (g): 11.72
- Size (mm): 27
- Edge: Plain
- Finish : Specimen
- Certificate : Serialized
- Artist : Cosme Saffioti