Description
This $50 pure silver coin captures Canada from coast to coast to coast—and throughout the seasons—with an inspirational collage of red-coloured icons that come together to embody a nation’s spirit and its pride. From the mountains of Western Canada to the maritime emblems of Atlantic Canada, and the inukshuk that reflects the spirit of the North, they are the classic images that define a nation on this special anniversary year. This unusual and visually striking coin weighs five ounces of pure silver with a large 65.25 mm diameter, and has a limited mintage of just 1,500 pieces. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
Artist Tami Mayrand presents a symbolic homage to Canada through the classic images that broadly define what it means to be Canadian. Each engraved icon represents a Canadian theme or idea; united by an application of red paint, they form the distinctive silhouette of a predominant Canadian symbol: the maple leaf. Within this pointed outline, the nation’s geography, flora and fauna are well represented by various silhouettes: a mountain peak; small maple leaves; pine cones; an evergreen tree; birds in flight; a wolf; a moose; polar bear; squirrel; sea lion; bear; bison; a Canadian Inuit dog; and our national symbol, the beaver. A blade of wheat and a bottle of maple syrup highlight some of Canada’s most famous agricultural exports, while a hatchet alludes to the forests that have shaped the nation’s history. Inukshuks and a tepee pay tribute to the history and richly varied cultural traditions of Canada’s First Nations peoples, while a schooner, whale tail, salmon, and orca are a nod to Canada’s coasts.
Canada’s innovative spirit is well represented by an icon of the aeronautic industry, and the tower that defines Toronto’s skyline. But most prominent of all is our love for the great outdoors, and the pastimes we enjoy through the seasons, as illustrated by: snowflakes; a snowman; a curling stone; a snowmobile; sprig of holly; a canoe; a Muskoka chair; figure skates; winter gear; and ski equipment. A puck, helmet and skate are included to reflect a nation’s fervent passion for its winter sport, including a hockey stick that forms the maple leaf’s petiole.
The reverse includes the engraved word “CANADA”, the commemorative dates “1867-2017” and the official Canada 150 privy mark. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
