Introduction: Fifty years ago, Canada commemorated the 100th anniversary of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), later known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), with a special one-year-only design on the 25 cents coin in 1973. Let's explore the history, design, and varieties of this iconic Canadian coin.
The North-West Mounted Police Established in 1873 by the Canadian government, the NWMP's mission was to maintain peace and prevent crime in the vast North-West Territories. In 1920, it merged with the Dominion Police to form the RCMP, a symbol of Canadian law enforcement and national identity.
The Design and Its Creator The reverse of the 1973 25 cents coin features a constable holding a bamboo-shafted lance, a tribute to the RCMP's Musical Ride. Designed by Walter Ott, a renowned artist and Master Engraver at the Royal Canadian Mint, the coin captures the spirit and tradition of the RCMP. Ott's contributions to Canadian coinage include over 1,000 designs, including the iconic Gold Bullion Maple Leaf.
The RCMP's Horse Breeding Program The RCMP's distinctive black horses have been a symbol of the force since the 1930s. Assistant Commissioner S.T. Wood initiated the breeding program after being impressed by the contrast between the red tunics of RCMP riders and the black horses of the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry during King George VI's coronation in 1937.
Varieties and Collectability With over 134 million 1973 quarters minted, the RCMP Centennial coin became a popular keepsake in many Canadian households. The coin's design required retooling, resulting in two varieties: Small Bust and Large Bust. The Small Bust, with 120 beads on the obverse and modified hair detail of Queen Elizabeth II, is more common, while the Large Bust, with 132 beads and the original 1972 obverse, is rarer, with fewer than 10,000 believed to exist.
Conclusion: The 25 cents 1973 Mountie coin stands as a testament to Canada's proud heritage and the enduring legacy of the RCMP. With its iconic design and collectible varieties, this coin represents a significant milestone in Canadian numismatics, commemorating a century of service and sacrifice by the men and women of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.