Numismatic

1913 Canada Gold $10 Reserve MS-63 NGC (Bank of Canada Hoard)

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In the early years of Canada's national gold coinage, the government authorized the production of ten-dollar gold pieces. This 1913 issue represents a key moment in that early minting history, containing 0.4837 ounces of gold. Originally, the mint produced 149,232 of these ten-dollar pieces, but many became part of a massive treasury hoard. This hoard, which was secured by the Bank of Canada, eventually preserved 300,000 gold coins of five-dollar and ten-dollar denominations dated from 1912, 1913, and 1914. Because of these decades in secure storage, high-quality examples have survived to delight modern observers. The obverse of this sovereign coin displays a left-facing portrait of King George V. Surrounding the royal likeness is a Latin inscription recognizing his title as King and Emperor of India. This face of the coin represents Canada's historical ties to the British Crown during the early twentieth century. On the reverse, the design showcases the Canadian coat of arms nestled inside a decorative wreath. The inscription clearly displays the country name, the denomination of ten dollars, and the 1913 year of issue. Backed by the Canadian government, this coin stands as a fascinating survivor from a historic era of North American gold coinage.