1967 Centennial Gold $20 Coin

The 1967 Centennial $20 gold coin was Canada's flagship commemorative piece marking one hundred years since Confederation in 1867. As the largest denomination in the centennial coin set, it stood out both for its gold content and for its ceremonial significance.

Collectors value it as an accessible, historically significant piece of Canadian gold coinage from the twentieth century, distinct from the country's later bullion gold coin programs.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1967, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a full centennial coin set with specially redesigned reverses across denominations, culminating in a $20 gold coin as its centerpiece. Unlike the circulating cent-through-dollar denominations in the set, the $20 gold piece was sold directly to collectors rather than entering general circulation.

The coin's reverse design features the Canadian coat of arms, reflecting the national significance of the centennial celebrations, while the obverse retained the standard portrait of Queen Elizabeth II used on Canadian coinage of the time.

Proceeds from sales of the gold coin, packaged individually or within larger specimen sets, helped fund centennial commemorative activities and gave collectors worldwide a tangible piece of Canada's centennial celebrations.

The obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II's portrait as used on Canadian coinage of the 1960s, with the legend identifying her as queen and the date 1867-1967 marking the centennial span rather than a single year. The reverse depicts the Canadian coat of arms with its shield, supporters, and motto.

The coin is struck in .900 fine gold and is notably larger and heavier than standard circulating Canadian coins, reflecting its status as a special issue rather than everyday currency. It was distributed almost exclusively in proof-like or specimen finish through official Mint packaging.

The coin's value is closely tied to the price of gold given its substantial gold content, though as a popular and widely-saved commemorative it also carries a modest numismatic premium over pure bullion value, particularly for pieces retaining original Mint packaging and certificates. It is not considered rare, since a meaningful number were sold to collectors in 1967, but demand remains steady due to its historic significance.

Condition and completeness of original packaging can add to value, though the coin's gold content generally forms the base of its worth.