When did Canada start minting silver coins?

Canada's history of minting silver coins dates back to several key moments, including the issuance of a silver coin honoring the Black Loyalists in 2021 by the Royal Canadian Mint. However, the minting of silver coins in Canada likely began earlier, with coins such as the Guangxu Yuanbao originating in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, although these were under a different minting authority. Additionally, silver coins like the Yuan Shikai silver dollar, minted in the early years of the Republic of China, also form a part of this numismatic history, albeit with a different political and historical backdrop. Specifically regarding the Royal Canadian Mint, its modern history of silver coin minting includes commemorative issues such as the one marking the 100th anniversary of Calgary's Victory Stampede in 2019.