Description
Female allegories have long been featured on coinage around the world. This exciting new coin celebrates the historic Miss Canada icon popularized in Canadian culture from Confederation to the end of the Second World War. Mintage limited to just 2,000. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse image by Canadian artist Laurie McGaw features an iconic rendering of a new Canada allegory for modern-day Canada. Seated on the “throne” of the Canadian Shield, this classically dressed, seated female figure occupies the centre of the reverse field. Viewed with her head turned to the left side of the reverse, her body turned toward the right, she sports a crown of maple leaves—an iconic image associated with Canada for more than two centuries. From her dynamic position, she raises her right hand with open palm in a gesture of welcome. In her left arm she holds a staff bearing a large maple leaf. Her bare right foot is visible beneath the hem of her long gown, connecting the figure directly to the natural world within which she is positioned. In the landscape surrounding her we see the robust natural variety of Canada. In the distant background rise vast mountains and a pure glacial river. The mid-ground is occupied by a large waterway bounded by a wild forested shoreline. In the air above the figure and to her right flies an eagle, an important element of First Nations spiritualism. In the water below the eagle, a jumping fish represents the vigour and power of Canada’s natural world. The base of the image is decorated with a garland composed of more than 25 species of Canadian leaves, referencing Canada’s multicultural makeup.
