Description
For more than 500 years some European mints have issued small quantities of double thickness “piedfort” coins for nobility, dignitaries and VIP collectors. This 2020 $25 pure silver coin continues this tradition with an extra thick format coin featuring a highly detailed image of two national symbols – the Maple Leaf and the Polar Bear. Mintage is extremely limited at just 4,000. HST/GST exempt.
The word "piedfort" literally means "strong foot" in French and appeared centuries ago to mean "heavy measure" in minting. Today, "piedfort" indicates that a coin is thicker than usual.
The Design:
The design by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc carries great meaning by paying tribute to Canada’s evolving history through the two foremost national icons. A transition marks the centre of the field, with classic depictions on the left to represent the nation’s past, and more contemporary versions on the right to represent both the present and beyond. Both icons are resplendent on this coin. Foremost is the polar bear, the majestic animal that symbolizes Canada’s Arctic wilderness. Its front half is texturally detailed, while the back portion transitions into a stylized silhouette that offers a more modern take on this Canadian icon. Behind it is the iconic maple leaf, whose serrated edges and deeply veined lobes are fixtures throughout the design. The left features a more natural and life-like appearance that evokes the reverse of the beloved Silver Maple Leaf (SML) coin, while the right portion places a strong emphasis on symmetry and conveys a sense of strength. Also featured on the reverse are the engraved word “CANADA”, the face value “25 DOLLARS” and the year “2020.” The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
