Description
This 2015 $20 fine silver coin marks the Toronto 2015 TM Pan Am / Parapan Am Games, and captures “The Spirit of Sports” with a finely engraved design, a combination of different finishes and reliefs, and dynamic holographic images. Mintage is limited to 8,500 coins. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin is HST / GST exempt.
The Design:
Like the tiered steps of a podium, engraved lines lead up to a raised, stylized maple leaf that provides striking dimension to the design. Within the leaf's outline is a captivating hologram that depicts athletes competing in a sampling of the Games' 51 sports. It is this hologram, along with the positioning of the athletes, that creates the illusion of depth and layers, with the athletes seemingly emerging from the coin in a burst of shimmering light as the viewer tilts the coin from side to side. At the top, two female synchronized divers seem to soar in a forward somersault pike position while below, a male gymnast defies gravity by performing a handstand on the rings as part of the artistic gymnastics competition. To the left of him, an athlete maintains his speed as he launches over a hurdle, his lead leg extended while his trailing leg is tucked in close to his hip. At the right edge of the image field, a para-athlete extends one arm to make a shot in the fast-paced wheelchair basketball competition while below, a female weightlifter triumphantly lifts a barbell above her head. Further symbolizing Canada's role as host country of the TORONTO 2015 Games, a multitude of engraved maple leaves of different sizes fill the left side of the reverse and are beautifully highlighted with alternating frosting. The overall design is brimming with dynamic energy and movement—much like the Games!
