Description
This 2017 $20 one ounce pure silver coin uses a three dimensional effect to create the breathtaking effect of a humpback whale breaching the surface of the ocean. Mintage is limited to 7500 pieces. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Matt Bowen depicts the waters off Canada’s coastline, where a lighthouse can be seen on the headland rocks in the distance. The surface of the ocean is itself filled with exceptional detail, alternating between soft waves and the smooth ripples caused by the whale’s sudden emergence. But the star of the show is undeniably the whale itself: fashioned through a thermoforming process, the embossed whale stirs up foamy waves and a stream of ocean spray as it launches itself almost clear out of the water and above the surface of the silver coin. Colour highlights the rough textural details along its tremendous pectoral fins, as well as the distinctive bumps on its head and neck. Throughout the reverse, light is cleverly conveyed by the coin’s silver surface, which shines like sunlight on a bright summer day.
The reverse is engraved with the word “CANADA”, and the date “2017”, and the denomination “20 Dollars”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
