Description
This 2013 $5 fine silver coin is the first to celebrate the art and evolution of bank note design in Canada. It features a seascape themed vignette from the Canadian Bank of Commerce's 1888 20-dollar bank note. This coin is limited to a mintage of 8,500 coins worldwide. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The design centres a youthful figure: possibly a young Hermès, who was a god of the Greek pantheon and a patron of travellers. The figure leans on a large fish, holding a staff entwined by two snakes. Also known as a caduceus, this staff symbolizes commerce and balance. In the background are four ships from various ages of sea travel, a rocky point jutting out into the water, and a tall lighthouse to guide the vessels to safe harbor.The coin's also features the word "CANADA," the date "2013" and the face value of "5 DOLLARS."
The Bank of Commerce:
When the Bank of Commerce opened in 1867, it issued its first series of banknotes. In 1888, the Bank of Commerece released another issue of colourful banknotes in various denominations, this series security was so effective that the series design did not change for almost 30 years.
