Bicentennial of the exploration of the Mackenzie River by

Sir Alexander Mackenzie

HERE WE HAVE THE LOVELY 1989 CANADIAN  MACKENZIE RIVER BICENTENNIAL SILVER DOLLAR

As a young boy, Alexander Mackenzie had moved from Scotland to Montreal, where he became involved in the fur trade. When his company joined with the North West company, Mackenzie became a partner and he was put in charge of the Athabasca region. On June 3,1789, Mackenzie set out from Fort Chipewyan with his team of voyageurs. He hoped to claim territory for the North West Company and find the Northwest passage. The team followed the large river that flowed west from Great Slave Lake and they reached the Arctic Ocean. He called the river "Disappointment River", and set out for home. The river was later named the "Mackenzie River" in honour of the explorer. Northern Native peoples still know the river as the Deh Cho, or 'Big River'.

THE REVERSE SHOWS ALEXANDER MACKENZIE AND HIS CREW IN A CANOE ON THE MACKENZIE RIVER.

THIS COIN WEIGHS 23g.

A beautiful addition to your collection and an excellent gift