Description
This 2017 $20 pure silver coin captures one of the most beautiful flowers of Canadian spring and early summer with the white blossom of the button-like flowers of Pearl Yarrow (“The Pearl”). The flowers are brought to life with three mother-of-pearl embellishments that adorn this pure silver coin, and recreate the appearance of the double blossom. Each pearl blossom is a small marvel, with carefully sculpted layers of daisy-like petals that add a timeless elegance to the exquisite portrait of a distinctive wildflower. Mintage is limited to only 6,000. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Margaret Best pairs a technological first with highly detailed engraving in pure silver. The clustered stalks, leaves and flowers of pearl yarrow rise up from the right side of the coin to fill most of the reverse. Bees and flies are key pollinators for this species, and are represented here by the two engraved bees approaching from the left; however, the eye is naturally drawn to the three floral-shaped embellishments that re-create the pom-pom type of flowers. Each one is crafted from mother-of-pearl, which lends itself beautifully to re-creating the snow-white double blooms. The pearl lustre also mimics the sun’s illuminating effect, and subtly highlights the layered complexity of the daisy-like petals that have been so carefully sculpted. The reverse also features the engraved word “CANADA” and the year “2017”, along with the face value, “20 DOLLARS”.
