Many see the Royal Canadian Mint as the key to making their fortune; whether through collecting valuable, rare coins, or dredging for lost, unminted gold in the Ottawa River. When the Royal Canadian Mint opened its doors in 1908, it was a period of burgeoning gold production in the west, and a golden opportunity for Canada to take control of its own finances. Before the Mint was established, Canadians had struggled with multiple currencies from Britain, the American States and the individual provinces. Canadian coins are beautiful, detailed works of art, and a unique reflection of Canadian history and identity.