Description
This 2013 $20 fine silver coin features a stylized image of a pronghorn antelope set against symbolic elements of its Canadian habitat. With a diameter of 40 mm, this is an impressive large profile coin with a weight of just under one ounce of pure silver. One of the most interesting elements of the coin is that the Mint has utilized a combination of five different finishes to create a play of design, reflection and light that has a fascinating near holographic effect. Mintage is limited to just 8500 coins worldwide. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
Designed by Canadian artist Tivadar Bote, the coin features a unique stylized image, inspired by woodblock design, of a Pronghorn set against symbolic elements of its Canadian habitat. The Pronghorn, viewed in three-quarter profile, is presented in the foreground of the image, its namesake horns reaching majestically toward the top of the image, with its serene face and head set upon a muscular neck. In the background, the image of a circular sunburst replete with rays recalls the vast open skies of the Pronghorn’s preferred habitat. From the sunburst rise wheat motifs and rays of light. The circularity of this element echoes the circular field of the coin and hints at the cyclical nature of the Pronghorn’s lifecycle. The outer frame is engraved with the species' Latin name, "Antilocapra Americana" the word "CANADA," the date "2013," and the face value of "20 DOLLARS."
Did You Know?
Although the Pronghorn does not jump higher than about 90 centimetres, this metre-high, reddish-brown ruminant can sprint at speeds of about 85 kilometres an hour and run great distances at about 40 kilometres an hour.
