Description
This huge 2018 $250 maple leaf coin is convex shaped and weighs one kilogram (32.15 ounces) of fine silver. Shining as bright as Canada’s spirit of innovation, this is the largest convex-shaped coin ever issued to date by the RCM, and with a mintage of just 500 pieces, it is also by far the lowest mintage. The design features a bouquet of maple leaves that appears to swell with the collective pride of a nation as it curves outwards. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
Designed by artist Stan Witten, senior engraver at the Royal Canadian Mint, the convex-shaped reverse features an engraved grouping of sugar maple leaves of different sizes, all positioned to form a unique bouquet of foliage. Together, the five leaves are radiant against the highly reflective shine of the field’s proof finish, yet each one is set apart by a different finish that creates a gentle contrast. This gathered arrangement makes full use of the coin’s expansive surface and unusual curvature; extending out towards the viewer for a more dimensional presentation, the iconic Canadian symbol appears to swell with the collective pride of a nation. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
The Maple Leaf:
Few icons are as inextricably linked to Canada as the maple leaf. It has inspired artists and singers; graced the uniforms of soldiers pursuing peace. Until 1936, all Canadian coins from 5 cents to the half dollar featured a wreath of maple leaves. The one cent coin included three different versions of maple leaves from the time the design was introduced in 1858 through to the final issue in 2012. The maple leaf has been the central image on our flag since 1965, and it has given hope to countless new Canadians looking for opportunities. It continues to evoke a sense of national identity among the millions who call Canada home.
