Description
This large and visually stunning four layer prototype coin takes the collector behind the scenes and into the Royal Canadian Mint’s Research and Development Facility, allowing you the opportunity to own one of a very small number of coins representing new technology still in development. In this case, just 252 $175 fine silver coins have been released to collectors, with each coin featuring a very large 102 mm diameter and four distinct layers of striking, creating a coin with multi-dimensional perspective. The coin is dated 2022, even though it is a 2023 new release issue. The coin has a weight of 711 grams – or about 23 troy ounces. HST/GST exempt.
Since 2019, the Royal Canadian Mint has occasionally made available to collectors small quantities of prototype coins being created within their Research and Development Lab. All past releases sold out immediately and appreciated in value in the secondary market.
The Design:
The Birds in the Backyard design by Neil Hamelin has been separated into four distinct layers of art. The bottom layer features the engraved leaves and branches of a catalpa tree. The two middle layers feature three birds on the upper layer and a nest box and branches on the lower one. These elements are superimposed to create a floating image effect. The top layer consists of a blue jay and leaves that frame the view of this multidimensional scene.
The obverse features a laser-frosted maple leaf background pattern and the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
