Description
This 2023 $20 fine silver coin continues the tradition of celebrating life and the season of renewal through an intricately designed and selectively coloured Ukrainian Pysanka egg. All previous coins in this annual series that started in 2016 have sold out from the Royal Canadian Mint immediately upon release and appreciated in value in the secondary market. This year, the Easter symbol of renewal will have extra meaning, as the Royal Canadian Mint is donating the net proceeds to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Mintage is limited to just 7,500. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The main design reflects the infinite flow of time, with the river of life circling around and returning back in continuous harmony; the life-giving sky of light and rain; the bountiful earth producing the gift of food under the care of the people; and, during the seasonal death of winter’s sleep, the gathered and protected gifts of life, which are brought forth again in spring. To this day, the ancient symbols of harmony, fruitfulness, protection and life remain important and powerful symbols of the Ukrainian culture and people.
The design was inspired by surviving Neolithic pottery. Flanked by four parallel lines of life, the centre band features solar symbols and a weaving pattern containing seeds that represent the harvest. Another weaving pattern representing connection and continuity fills the upper and lower bands, where the grain is nurtured by rainfall. Above and below those bands, more lines of life bring strength and frame the powerful eternity line. The ripening grain is contained by vertical lines representing the four seasons, which are guided by time, represented by the spiral forms.
Posthumous Queen Elizabeth II Effigy:
The obverse features a posthumous effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II together with a double date showing her reign 1952-2022.
