1948 was a very interesting year for Canada coinage.  With the exception of the cent, all other denominations are either lower mintage, better dates to super scarce or highly valued key dates.  1948 saw the removal of the Latin "Et Ind: Imp", which stood for the Emperor of India.  Before India gained their independence in 1947 this was featured on all British Empire coinage.  The problem that arose was that the new coinage was needed, but the new tooled dies with the modified obverse were not yet available.  So, in early 1948 a new variety of 1947 coins appeared to fill the need for coinage. The change was noted with a small maple leaf to the lower right of the date (I have always thought this was a very attractive touch).  This is one reason why 1948 dated Canada coins are lower mintage and better dates.  Actually, there are two sets of 1947 coins, so when the modified dies were pressed into service there was simply less demand to fill.  That in effect, equals a "taylor made" scarce date for 1948!!!  This is not prevalent so much in the lower denomination coins (one cent to ten cents, although the '48 dime is in better grades a higher value coin), but the twenty-five cents and especially the fifty cents and silver dollar are first rate, high value, key date coins. The 1948 fifty cent coin is the highest value coin since the 1932.  Only the 1904, 1905 and the 1932 are worth more among 20th century fifty cent pieces ( The 1900,1901, & 1908 are close, but none of these are as low mintage or as modern as the '48 and I cannot count the 1921 since it was supposed to be recalled entirely and destroyed).  The 1948 fifty cent piece is my first choice among the 20th century rarities.  It's trends range from  100.00 in F-12 to 400.00 in MS-63.  With a tiny mintage of only 37,784, I  feel very bullish about big increases in the near future for this date.  Next is one silver dollar that really needs no introduction.  The fabulous 1948 silver dollar...... WOWWWWW, I am not embarrassed to say I have never owned or sold one.  I have seen (at large coin shows) a few examples of this date, all of which were understandably so, very pricey.  With a mintage of a mere 18,780 and trends that begin at 500.00 in F-12, it's not hard to see why.  All of the post World War II Canada silver dollars are low mintage, higher priced coins that are very nice to own, but a great challenge to obtain. So collectors there you have it, 1948 a great key date year to collect and treasure.  For those of us who have the honor of obtaining and selling these timeless beauties the real reward is helping people complete their collections and the satifaction that goes with it.

THANK YOU __________ DANNY ANABLE  THE  " CANADA COIN NUT "  AUGUST, 2006