Description
With a mintage of just 700 coins, a pure silver coin of one full kilogram, a near flawless double struck proof finish, and an important historic theme marking the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, this large attractive coin combines scarcity, intrinsic value and collectible art. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The design depicts a detail from John David Kelly’s renowned 1896 painting, Battle of Queenston Heights, 13 October 1812. The famous artwork is one of the most highly recognized portrayals of the War of 1812 and of the Battle of Queenston Heights. In the foreground, Major General Isaac Brock lies dying in the tall grasses of the region. Two soldiers attend to him, one holding Brock under the arms while the other, kneeling on Brock’s right side, attempts to loosen the Major General’s coat. Brock holds aloft his sword in his right hand, urging his men on even in his final moments. In the front right section of the image, First Nations warriors clamber over rocky outcroppings, tomahawks raised, running furiously toward the smoke-filled fray in the distance. One First Nations warrior in the centre of the image raises both arms to the sky, head thrown back in a mighty war cry. To Brock’s far left, British troops and Canadian militia, flags in hand and bayonets slung over their shoulders, march in formation toward the battle. Just ahead of them, an American soldier lies fallen in the grass. In the middle distance, the opposing armies meet, vast clouds of smoke rising from their struggle. In the far distance, mountainous terrain rises above the St. Lawrence River, which is visible in the upper left portion of the image.
The image is striking for its symbolic portrayal of British troops, Canadian militiamen, and First Nations warriors fighting together to fend off American invasion. Encircling the inner field is a polished silver border engraved with the word “CANADA,” the bilingual text “THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS/LA BATAILLE DES HAUTEURS DE QUEENSTON” and the dates “1812-2012.”
