Description
This 2013 $5 denomination coin is the second in a series of Niobium coins featuring contemporary aboriginal art. The Royal Canadian Mint has combined new and innovative minting technology with a beautiful image from an ancient Native Canadian culture to create a modern classic work of art. With a mintage of just 6,500, this unique coin is both a low mintage collectible and a beautiful work of art. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The design portrays a fisherman celebrating his latest catch. An igloo can be seen in the background. The design is in contemporary Inuit style and captures the spirit and humor commonly associated with this ancient culture. The centre core of the coin is struck in pure niobium which has been naturally oxidized to refract light and create a rich sage green colour. The niobium core is then encircled by a ring of bright pure silver with a proof finish to create a brilliant frame and a striking contrast to the naturally coloured centre.
Distance and proportion melt away on the great expanse of Arctic ice—and the Inuit fisherman would disappear into the landscape if it were not for the brownish-grey earth tones of his animal hide parka. Even then, it would take a trained eye to spot the dot of contrast against the frigid white that defines the Arctic for most of the year.
