As a long-running tradition, the Royal Canadian Mint releases special birthday coins every year. These come in a set with both special, commemorative items and a set of regular coins from that year’s mintage. This is a fun way to celebrate a birthday or someone special. Colonial Acres Coins has all the birthday coins Canada’s families could want, and you can join in the fun today!
Collection: Birthday Coin Set
The History of Birthdays
Why We Celebrate Them
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Began with the ancient Egyptians
Naturally, birthdays didn’t exist before humans had calendars to keep track. The earliest reference to a birthday dates back to around 3,000 BCE in Egypt, celebrating the Pharaoh’s birthday. Some more recent research suggests that this may have been the anniversary of his coronation (and “birth” as a god on earth) rather than his actual birthday.
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate birthdays every year? At first, it seems like a silly question. However, the concept of birthdays must have started somewhere. Interestingly, historians believe that it began with the ancient Egyptians.
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The ancient Greeks
The ancient Greeks introduced the idea of cakes with candles. They offered them as a form of tribute to the lunar goddess, Artemis. The idea of making a wish when blowing out the candles is likely inspired by sending a message to the gods.
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The Romans
Later, the Romans started celebrating every man’s birthday (previously, the tradition was limited to rulers and other aristocrats). Sadly, women’s birthdays don’t appear to have been celebrated until about the 12th century. It is worth noting that commoners may have celebrated birthdays beforehand, but we simply don’t have records.
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In the late 18th century
In the late 18th century, some German bankers created the modern notion of the birthday cake with candles (inspired through a long chain by the Greeks). The industrial revolution made sugary cakes available to the masses.
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Today’s ideas of birthdays
Today, the idea of birthdays has spread across the globe. Different families each have their own traditions. However, we all like to take some time to celebrate the lives of our loved ones on the anniversaries of their births.
Royal Canadian Mint Birthday Coins
To help with that celebration, the RCM offers some incredible gift sets. Each year is slightly unique. These can work wonderfully to mark a new birth or as a birthday present. The sets always include a collection of the 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, one-dollar and two-dollar coins from the relevant year. They also include either a special coin or medallion.
Our Birthday Gift Set
2019 Birthday Gift Set
The 2019 set features a special $1 coin with a reverse design including three balloons and a party hat. The design continues onto the packaging with a cute and colourful scene of party items. There are hats, stars and even a cupcake on the packaging front.
You can personalize the gift set with a special note, mention of a milestone or some other words. This is a wonderful gift for anyone with a meaningful 2019 birthday.
2020 Birthday Gift Set
The packaging of the 2020 set also has hats and other party items. However, the centrepiece is a purple-frosted cake with rainbow sprinkles and candles. It perfectly reflects the fun and festivities of birthdays. On the special $1 coin is a reverse design featuring two gifts. These are surrounded by confetti shapes.
2021 Birthday Gift Set
On January 12th, the Royal Canadian Mint released the 2021 gift set. This one also has a cake on the front. However, this one is a slice of white-frosted yellow cake. The packaging also includes a nice birthday message inside in both English and French. The unique $1 coin in this set has two hands holding out a gift that is tied with a big bow.
Find the Perfect Birthday Gift Today
With these sets of birthday coins, Canada can celebrate to the fullest. Check out these sets at Colonial Acres Coins. We also have many other gift sets for special occasions including past years of birthday coins.
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