The Royal Canadian Mint is joining Canadians in celebrating the 90th birthday of Our Majesty the Queen with the release of a colourful silver coin.
(As an interesting aside, while today marks the Queen’s date of birth, she also has another birthday on June 11, which is known as her official birthday and was established to ensure good weather for celebrations).
Unveiled yesterday by Governor General David Johnston and Mint President and CEO Sandra Hanington before an assembly of the Monarchist League of Canada, the $20 Fine silver coin features selective colouring that highlights the Royal Cypher (EIIR); St. Edward’s Crown; and a flowing illustration of the blue Garter Sash surrounded by a cluster of engraved maple leaves. The coin was designed by Canadian artist Tony Bianco and uses an “innovative glittering effect” that adds a “sparkle” to an engraving of the Queen’s diamond-encrusted maple leaf brooch. It’s limited to a mintage of 7,000.
“The Mint has a long and proud history of commemorating significant Royal Family milestones and the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II figures prominently among our coins celebrating Canada’s royal traditions,” said Hanington. “Today, the Mint is proud to issue a special collector coin to wish a happy 90th birthday to the Queen.”
This $250 pure gold coin was released by the Mint earlier this month in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.
A $3 Fine silver coin, featuring two Queen Elizabeth roses selectively plated in pink gold, can also be ordered from the Mint as of yesterday. Designed by Canadian artist Claudio D’Angelo, it has a mintage of 10,000.
Earlier this month, the Mint also released a $250 pure gold coin adorned with a large emerald and 29 Canadian diamonds as an exclusive keepsake to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday. Limited to a small mintage of 125, this coin has since sold out.