1966 Large Beads Grades Choice+ Unc. Why were there so many different varieties among the 1965 and 1966 Canada ...

1966 Large Beads Grades Choice+ Unc. Why were there so many different varieties among the 1965 and 1966 Canada Dollars? It all comes down to trial and error. Technical flaws cropped up when striking began for the new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick. Originally, the 1965 Queen Elizabeth II Dollars were struck bearing the Small Beads variety. However, this motif, featuring a flat field, proved to be harsh on the dies and led to a short die life.Adjustments were made making the field more concave and upward sloping toward the rim, resulting in the Medium Beads variety. Finally, Royal Canadian Mint officials fine-tuned the obverse, further sharpening the dished concavity of the fields and increasing the size of the beads, producing the Large Beads variety. Along with these changes, which are seen on both the 1965 and 1966 dollars, there were also refinements to the shaping of the “5” on the 1965 dollars. Some of these coins bear a “5” with a bluntly edged tail, others showcase a pointed tail on the “5.” The “Blunt 5” is known among only the Small Beads and Large Beads varieties, while the “Pointed 5” is paired with all three bead varieties.While some hobbyists assemble Canadian Dollars by year and bypass the major varieties, a great many enthusiasts pursue the different 1965 and 1966 varieties as budgets allow. One of the most common paths collectors take with these varieties is to incorporate a complete set of the 1965 Canadian Dollars, as these are generally not cost prohibitive and collectively represent the various bead sizes encountered on the Canadian Dollars of the era. Collectors of greater financial means also include the 1966 varieties, which encompass the rare 1966 Small Beads Dollars.Those who venture into collecting Canadian Dollars encounter many other varieties that are similar to the 1965 and 1966 notables mentioned here. Hobbyists who study 1967 Canadian Dollars will also find small- and large-bead varieties on the reverse of this popular coin bearing a flying goose to honor the centennial of Canada’s confederation.Additionally, there are numerous varieties involving the presence of Queen Elizabeth’s shoulder strap on 1953 and 1954 Canada Dollars, the details of the water lines on the various 1950s dollars, and the strength of detail in the Northern Lights on the Voyageur reverse of the early 1960s. With so many interesting and colorful varieties to their name, it’s no wonder Canadian Dollars have long been one of the most popular series for collectors throughout North America and around the world!