Sail into history with the third Tall Ships coin.

Distinguished by the square sails on its foremast, the topsail schooner featured on the third pure gold Tall Ships coin is a striking example of the sail plan that made this type of tall ship both strong and nimble. The rigging allowed these two- (or more) masted vessels to carry more sail when sailing off the wind. More importantly, the square topsails provided increased sail area for more speed, and, combined with fore and aft sails, made the ship easier to maneuver in heavy seas – an important consideration for coastal trading in the 1800s.

Add a third Tall Ships to your growing fleet.

Good to know

Third coin in the series. The annual Tall Ships series of pure gold coins celebrates the legendary vessels that drew international acclaim for Canada’s shipyards and contributed to our rich maritime heritage.

Back to Canada’s golden age of sail. Each instalment showcases a different type of tall ship or sail plan, beginning with the brigantine (2022) and continuing with the full-rigged ship (2023), and now, the topsail schooner (2024).

Impeccable craftsmanship. Every Tall Ships coin is an expertly engraved and exquisitely detailed portrait of Canada’s past. These are the wooden ships that shaped the course of Canada’s history, and they served as a testament to our nation’s seafaring traditions and shipbuilding prowess.

Pure gold portrait. Your low mintage (800) coin is crafted from 99.99% pure gold. Its luminous, mirror-like finish lights up the engraved art on the coin’s reverse.

A popular theme. A prestigious addition to any collection, especially a gold, history or nautical-themed one.

Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

Qualifies for free shipping

No GST/HST

About the collection

Coin #3 in the Tall Ships series. Crafted in 99.99% pure gold with a mirror-like finish, the third Tall Ships coin features a three-quarter view of a topsail schooner, a popular vessel for coastal trading in the 19th century.

The Tall Ships series celebrates the legendary vessels that drew international acclaim for Canada’s shipyards and contributed to our rich maritime heritage.

Each Tall Ships coin showcases a different type of tall ship or sail plan, beginning with the brigantine (2022) and continuing with the full-rigged ship (2023) and the topsail schooner (2024).

About the Topsail Schooner

The topsail schooner is a two or more masted vessel that carries a fore'n'aft rig on each of her masts but with the addition of one or more square sails rigged onto the foremast. This combination of sails gives the practical and upwind efficiency of a fore'n'aft rig with the added capability of a better downwind or off the wind performance with the square sails. This type of rig was once a common sight in Canadian waters and was used by fishing vessels, cargo ships, and even naval vessels, where the addition of large square sails rigged high aloft meant that there was less chance of them being shot through in battle. One of the better-known ships that carried this rig in Canada was HMS Nancy, made famous during the War of 1812.

R. Bruce Macdonald, Author and Captain of North Star of Herschel Island

About the design

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.

Reverse: Two-mast topsail schooner

The reverse design by Canadian artist Bonnie Ross features a three-quarter view of a two-mast topsail schooner heeled over and with all sails set to catch the wind. The reverse includes the word “CANADA”, a face value of “200 DOLLARS” and the year “2024”.

Obverse: Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II

The obverse features the gold-plated effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

Product # 246012

$200 Pure Gold Coin - Tall Ships: Topsail Schooner (2024)