Now until the end of the year, the Royal Canadian Mint will release a series of $10 Fine silver coins – Gauntlet, Strength, Unity and Legacy – as part of a new four-coin set commemorating DC Comics.
Alex Reeves, senior manager of communications at the Mint, said there will be coins released beginning Sept. 1 (Gauntlet) and then on Oct. 6 (Strength), Nov. 3 (Unity) and Dec. 1 (Legacy). Each coin has a mintage of 30,000, a weight of 15.87 grams and a 34-mm diameter. Struck in 99.99 per cent pure silver, each of the coins have a matte Proof finish and serrated edges. While each coin is available individually for $54.95, “Gauntlet” is available in monster packs of 75 coins and the remaining three coins in monster packs of 50. Each of the coins also comes enclosed in packaging that recreates the look of a comic book.
GAUNTLET
The first coin in the series – dubbed “Gauntlet” – celebrates DC Comics’ greatest superheroes in their classic form, said Reeves, adding it’s the first time villains Mister Mxyzptlk, Brainiac, Quex-Ul, Faora, General Zod and Lex Luthor have appeared on a coin struck by the Mint.
The coin’s reverse design mimics a comic book splash page with a coloured and engraved rendition of Superman, who’s flanked by those who would seek to destroy him. In mid-flight, the “Man of Steel” is on the defensive as he faces off against his foes: Lex Luthor, Superman’s greatest nemesis, is prominent at the far right in his battle suit; Phantom Zone crimi
nals General Zod, Faora and Quex-Ul are above Lex Luthor in an attack position; and a robotic Brainiac flies alongside the diminutive Mister Mxyzptlk to complete the hoard.
Reeves said the engraving recreates the look of inked comic book art and contrasts the sheen and shadows of the field, giving the design a multi-layered feel.
STRENGTH
The second coin – “Strength” – has a “classic, slightly retro style, recalling the look most comic book fans grew up with and remember fondly”, said Reeves. Based on the DC Comics style of the 1980s, the coin celebrates a pantheon of superheroes, including the young heroine in-training known as Supergirl.
Like the first coin, this coin’s reverse design features a coloured and engraved rendition of Supergirl on a comic book splash page. The “Girl of Steel” stands with hands on her hips, veiling her true power and a strength that rivals Superman’s. To her right is a lasered retrospective of Supergirl’s history, including her alternate costume from the early 1980s complete with headband.
UNITY
The third coin — “Unity” — again features a coloured and engraved rendition of Supergirl, who appears alongside Batgirl and Wonder Girl.
As Supergirl flies to the right of the coin, to her right are Batgirl and Wonder Girl, both of who are depicted in their most recognizable costumes, with Batgirl’s cape billowing in the wind and Wonder Girl carrying her lasso.
LEGACY
Finally, the last of four coins in the Mint’s new DC Comics superhero series conveys how Superman’s fate is shaped by his supporting cast.
It’s also a Mint first, said Reeves, who added it’ll be the first appearance of Batman and Wonder Woman on a Canadian coin when “Legacy” is released on Dec. 1.
This coin’s reverse design features a coloured and engraved rendition of Superman, who’s surrounded by those who helped forge his legacy. The “Man of Tomorrow” stands in the centre while at the bottom on either side are scenes from his infancy, with the Els to the right and the Kents to the left. Also found to his left are his friend and long-time love interest Lois Lane and friend and closest ally Batman. On Superman’s right are his pals Jimmy Olsen and Wonder Woman, whose strength and power often rival his own.
The Mint has also included Superman as part of its $20 for $20 series. The Man of Steel is featured on a fine silver 99.99 per cent coin with a diameter of 27 mm and a weight of 7.96 grams. This coin has a mintage of 350,000 coins worldwide.
For more information, visit mint.ca.