Description
This 2018 $200 coin features one of the most popular good luck motifs found in old Chinese houses—five bats surrounding the Chinese symbol shou (longevity) to bring five cherished blessings of health, wealth, longevity, virtue, and a peaceful natural death in old age. It’s inspired by a visual pun in which the character for bat (fu) and good fortune or happiness (fu), are pronounced the same way; together on this 99.99% pure gold holed coin, they bring an abundance of blessings. Mintage is limited to 388. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
This elegant and classic design by Canadian artist Simon Ng features a combination of Chinese motifs representing the auspicious “Five Blessings”; consisting of five bats surrounding the Chinese symbol shou (longevity), each bat representing health, wealth, longevity, virtue and a peaceful natural death in old age. The square hole in the centre is a distinct feature of ancient Chinese coins which represents the land. It’s framed by a circle of finely engraved scrolls and symbolic floral elements, while traditional Chinese latticework flows along the outer edge of the coin design. The floral elements also compliment the ornate scrollwork on the coin’s unique obverse, where the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is engraved with remarkable finesse in a smoothly polished circle above the square hole.
A very special token of good fortune, and a wonderful addition to any collection highlighting Chinese-Canadian cultural motifs.
