2008 - sterling silver triangle milk delivery

Many Canadians have fond memories of a uniformed milkman delivering fresh-bottled dairy to their childhood homes. From the late 19th century to the 1960's, dairy tokens were a fixture across the country, bought in advance by customers to pay for this once-common house call. Most dairies had their own unique tokens, often brightly coloured like this eye-catching triangular coin.

Pre-Confederation tokens disappeared from circulation after the 1870's and were replaced by new Canadian coinage. Local merchants often issued variously-shaped trade tokens, exchangeable for goods and services, like bread, milk or a shave. Though their use declined after World War II, some, like public transit tokens, are still a familiar feature of daily life.

Specifications

• No. 100306
• Mintage 25000
• Composition 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
• Finish proof (with enamel effect on the reverse)
• Weight (g) 20
• Diameter (mm) 34.06
• Edge interrupted serrations
• Certificate serialized
• Face value 50 cents
• Artist Royal Canadian Mint engravers (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)