2005 $100 The Supreme Court of Canada 130th Anniversary

It was a golden moment for Canada's judicial system and for its growing sense of nationhood. As this young colony evolved into a full-fledged nation, a set of universal rules to govern the people was needed. Throughout the 18th century, Canada's first courts of law mirrored the legal systems in Britain and France, but in 1867, the British North America Act (known today as the Constitution Act) solidified the basic elements of Canada's judicial system.

While the act allowed decisions from provincial courts to be appealed directly to the judicial committee of the Privy Council in London, England, it also invented parliament to create its own court of appeal. Sir John A. Macdonald was among the statesman who took up the cause and in 1869, the first bill for a Supreme Court was introduced. On April 8, 1875, Canada's court of last resort was born. An essential component of Canadian justice for 130 years, the Supreme Court of Canada has also stood as a powerful symbol of this nation's key values of democratic governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law—ideals that are yours to celebrate with the 2005 14-karat gold coin. With a stunning proof design that captures the grand architecture of Canada's highest court and the Justitia statue, this coin shines with integrity and national pride.

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• 2005 $100 The Supreme Court of Canada 130th Anniversary