CANADA
1991
Aviation Series I : A.E.A Silver Dart #3
$20 Silver Coin
Specification:
RCM Number: 1265
Face Value: 20 dollars
Mintage: 50,000
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7,5% copper, 24-karat gold-covered cameo
Weight: 31.1 g
Diameter: 38.0 mm
Edge: Interrupted Serrations
Finish: Proof
Artist: George Velinger, S. Beveridge, Terrence Smith (reverse), Dora d e Pédery-Hunt (obverse)
This 1991 Canadian $20 AEA Silver Dart Sterling Silver Coin is part of the first ten-coin series commemorating the Powered Flight in Canada: The First 50 Years. Each coin commemorates an aviation hero and his achievements. These coins are composed of sterling silver and have a 24 karat gold covered cameo portrait of an aviation hero. This coin is the third coin in the series and features the A.E.A. Silver Dart.
The Silver Dart was the fourth and finest of the pioneer machines constructed by Aerial Experiment Association (A.E.A.) headed by Dr. Alexander Graham Bell. It was first tested in New York State in December 1908 before being shipped to Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia for further flying experiments. On February 23, 1909, it first flew for over half a mile above a frozen Bras d'Or Lake, thus achieving the first powered, controlled, heavier-than-air machine flight in Canada