1991 $20 Aviation Series One (3) A.E.A. Silver Dart - Sterling Silver Coin

Description Released in 1991, this $20 sterling silver coin is the third release in Canada's acclaimed ten-coin series, Powered Flight in Canada: The First 50 Years. Celebrate Canada's aviation heroes and their groundbreaking achievements. This piece honors the A.E.A. Silver Dart as well as F.W. Baldwin and J.A.D. McCurdy, who piloted the Silver Dart for Canada's first military demonstration of powered flight in 1909. The Design The reverse features the A.E.A. Silver Dart along with a 24-karat gold plated cameo portrait of F.W. Baldwin and J.A.D. McCurdy. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The A.E.A. Silver Dart Developed by the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, the Silver Dart was the fourth and most advanced of the organization's pioneering aircraft. Following initial testing in New York State in December 1908, the plane was shipped to Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, for further flight trials. It made history on February 23, 1909, by flying for over half a mile above the frozen waters of Bras d’Or Lake. This flight marked the very first controlled, powered, heavier-than-air flight in Canada. Details FEATURES: Produced By: RCM Denomination: 20 Dollars Year: 1991 TECHNICAL SPECS: Diameter: 38 mm Material: Silver Fineness: 0.925 Weight: 31.103 grams Bullion Weight: 0.925 Troy Ounces EXTENDED INFORMATION: Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II Reverse: A.E.A. Silver Dart Finish: Proof, gold cameo Theme: Aviation Commemoratives