Description
This 2014 beautiful pure silver $10 selectively coloured coin features a dual image of a male and female Harequin duck. Named for the male's bright colouring which resembles the clothing of the zany Harlequin character of traditional Italian commedia dell'arte, this pretty little duck is a strong swimmer with a distinctive mouse-like squeal. It winters on the rocky, isolated shores of Canada's east and west coasts, moving inland to fast-moving fresh-water streams for breeding season from May to September. Mintage is limited to just 10,000 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The design features a pair of Harlequin ducks standing on rocks in a fast-moving stream. Engraved and selectively coloured, the image centres on a profile portrait of the brightly coloured male, its characteristic blue and russet plumage marked with bright white lines and spots outlined in black. The white dot behind its eye and white colouring above its dark bill are shared by the female, who stands behind him on the left side of the image. Her light brown-grey body faces the viewer and her face is presented in profile, to highlight her facial markings. Both stand with their strong webbed feet spread sturdily atop small rocks covered with moss that jut from the freshwater rapids of their summer breeding habitat. The rapids rise behind the ducks, far into the background, lending the scene a dynamic feel.
Harlequin Ducks:
Harlequin ducks are sometimes referred to as the “fancy lord and lady” of Canada's east and west coasts. Named for the male's bright colouring, which resembles the clothing of the zany Harlequin character of traditional Italian commedia dell'arte, this pretty little duck is a strong swimmer with a distinctive mouse-like squeal. It winters on the rocky, isolated shores of Canada's east and west coasts, moving inland to fast-moving fresh-water streams for breeding season from May to September.
