Description
Distinguished by the square sails on its foremast, the topsail schooner featured on the third pure gold Tall Ships coin is a striking example of the sail plan that made this type of tall ship both strong and nimble. The rigging allowed these two- (or more) masted vessels to carry more sail when sailing off the wind. More importantly, the square topsails provided increased sail area for more speed, and, combined with fore and aft sails, made the ship easier to maneuver in heavy seas – an important consideration for coastal trading in the 1800s. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Bonnie Ross features a three-quarter view of a two-mast topsail schooner heeled over and with all sails set to catch the wind. The reverse includes the word “CANADA”, a face value of “200 DOLLARS” and the year “2024”. The obverse features the gold-plated effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.
