Description
Canada’s island province is home to three indigenous species of lady’s slippers, but it is the pink lady’s slipper that has the honour of being on this seventh $3 fine silver Floral Emblems of Canada coin. The Mintage is limited to 4,000. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Lisa Thomson-Khan features a colour portrait of the official floral emblem of Prince Edward Island, the pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule). The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Prince Edward Island – Lady’s Slipper:
On April 25, 1947, the Legislative Assembly dedicated the lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium acaule) as the floral emblem of Prince Edward Island. As a species of orchid, the lady’s-slipper gained its name from the shape of its petals which form a pouch somewhat like a slipper. The flower is pollinated by bees that tumble into the pouch and, while escaping, the bees brush against the male and female flower parts. The lady’s-slipper thrives in shady and moist woodlands and it blooms in late May and June.
