Description
This 2015 $20 silver coin is a world first using new technology previously thought impossible; the ancient Japanese sword-making technique of mokume gane. This spectacular new coin contains one ounce of fine silver, skillfully melded together with copper producing an eye-catching motif on the reverse's maple leaf. Each coin is unique as no two coins will feature the exact same maple leaf patterning, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind collectible piece that is symbolic of the Games' celebration of diversity. While the addition of copper prevents this item from qualifying as tax exempt, the spectacular unique effect more than compensates for this additional cost.
Just as the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games will bring together different cultures under its motto “United We Play!”, the coin's reverse features a symbolic representation of this theme. The groundbreaking use of mokume gane on the reverse's maple leaf is particularly fitting: layers of different metal alloys are united, fused together to create one useable material that is cut, forged and pressed to create the motif on Canada's national symbol. The motto of the Toronto 2015 Games is engraved along the coin's rim in the three official languages of the Games: English, French and Spanish. Mintage is limited to 8,500 coins.
The Design:
This coin celebrates the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games by bringing together Aboriginal art and elements associated with the Games in an engaging manner. Inspired by the Games logo, curved pictograms emphasize the theme of inclusion through sport; to the left, a ball is used to represent the sun rising in the sky over the Games. Traditionally considered the lifeblood of the earth, the element of water as a sustaining force for athletes and its fluidity are symbolized in the curved lines that represent the rivers, lakes and oceans of the Pan Americas. While skillful engraving adds beautiful detail to the richly layered design, the use of mokume gane draws the eye to the maple leaf insert. In keeping with the Games theme of coming together, the effect is first created by the fusion of different metal alloys to create one base material, which is then carved, forged and shaped. This creates the intricate pattern symbolizing the blood, sweat and tears of each athlete's journey to TORONTO 2015, while the one-of-a-kind nature of each coin's motif reinforces the Games' overall celebration of diversity.
