By Jesse Robitaille
Another four coins in the 13-piece “Provincial and Territorial Flowers of Canada” series were launched as part of the Royal Canadian Mint’s latest numismatic catalogue, which was unveiled on May 5.
The first two coins, featuring Ontario’s white trillium and Quebec’s blue flag iris, were launched in March and April, respectively; however, all shipments are currently being held at the Mint until shipping operations have resumed.
“The production of our numismatic collectable coins remains on hold as we prioritize the support of trade and commerce,” said Mint President and CEO Marie Lemay in a statement on the Crown corporation’s website. “You can continue to view and order our products on mint.ca and with our customer service representatives at 1-800-267-1871. However, your parcel shipment may encounter unusual delays or be shipped after we resume production.”
Now aiming to resume shipping in August, the series’ latest issues include $3 Fine silver coins featuring British Columbia’s Pacific dogwood; Manitoba’s prairie crocus; New Brunswick’s purple violet; and Nova Scotia’s mayflower. Each of the coins’ matte proof finishes give it “the look of vintage silver jewellery,” according to the Mint’s latest catalogue.
“This perfectly complements the colour portraits at the centre of our floral-themed celebration of Canada.”
Designed by Lisa Thomson-Khan, of Rockland, Ont., each of the coins has a weight of 7.96 grams, a diameter of 27 millimetres and a mintage of 4,000. They’re each packaged in a maroon clamshell with a black “beauty box.”
The remaining coins in the series will feature:
- Prince Edward Island’s lady’s slipper (Sept. 1);
- Saskatchewan’s western red lily (Oct. 6);
- Alberta’s wild rose (Nov. 3);
- Newfoundland and Labrador’s pitcher plant (Nov. 24);
- Northwest Territories’ mountain avens (Jan. 5, 2021);
- Yukon’s fireweed (Feb. 2, 2021); and
- Nunavut’s purple saxifrage (March 2, 2021).
From 1998-2011, the Mint also issued a 14-piece set of $350 proof gold coins as part of a previous “Provincial Flowers” series.
The 350th anniversary of the Hudson’s Bay Company is marked with a $5 Fine silver coin from the ‘Moments to Hold’ series.
‘MOMENTS TO HOLD’
Among the 15 coins announced this May is the second of four coins from the $5 Fine silver “Moments to Hold” series.
The latest offering marks the 350th anniversary of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). Designed by Trevor Tennant, of Trent Lakes, Ont., the coin is “inspired by the Voyageur dollar and reflects HBC’s special place in the history of exploration and trade in Canada,” according to the Mint’s catalogue. It has a weight of 7.96 grams, a diameter of 27 millimetres and a mintage of 100,000.
The themes of the series’ remaining two coins – slated for release on Oct. 6 and Nov. 24 – are yet to be announced. Each of the coins is packaged in a gift set holder.
QEII’S BRAZILIAN TIARA
A pair of coins paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s Brazilian aquamarine tiara – one of the tallest headpieces in her jewellery collection – was also announced this May.
One of the tiara’s fan-like motifs is recreated on the reverse of the $20 Fine silver coin. The rhodium-plated ornament is adorned with 12 Swarovski crystals that add a diamond-like sparkle while aqua-coloured stones stand in for the tiara’s large aquamarines “and easily catch the eye with their beautiful shades of blue,” according to the Mint’s catalogue. Designed by Mint engravers, this coin has a weight of 31.39 grams, a diameter of 38 millimetres and a mintage of 4,000.
A $20 Fine silver coin (left) and $250 pure gold coin (right) celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Brazilian aquamarine tiara.
The same design is used on a $250 pure gold with 19 precious stones. On the coin’s reverse, 12 diamonds and seven aquamarine gemstones were hand set to recreate one of the tiara’s distinctive scroll motifs. The engraved jewellery-inspired elements are platinum plated “to give them the same shine as the actual tiara,” adds the Mint’s catalogue.
“The contrast between the platinum and the gleam of 99.99 per cent pure gold also highlights the blue water-like sparkle of the aquamarine gemstones.”
Each coin is enclosed in a wooden collector case and includes special certificates confirming the authenticity of the coin, diamonds and aquamarine gemstones. The Mint’s fourth royal tiara-themed coin, it has a weight of 60.08 grams, a diameter of 38 millimetres and a mintage of 175.
A 2020-dated ‘Sparkle of the Heart’ coin was also issued as part of the May catalogue.
‘SPARKLE OF THE HEART’
Following in the footsteps of the 2019 “Sparkle of the Heart” coin, which sold out in a matter of days, a 2020-dated edition with “Dancing Diamond” technology was announced by the Mint this May.
Designed by Anna Bucciarelli, of Toronto, the $20 Fine silver coin is only the Mint’s second piece to feature the Dancing Diamond technology, which “allows the well-secured gemstone to move and emit exceptional sparkle at the slightest movement,” according to the Crown corporation.
Set at the centre of the coin is a genuine Canadian-sourced “Fire and Ice” diamond, which is cut to precise angles to maximize the radiance from the top of the gem. The coin has a weight of 20.86 grams, a diameter of 36. 07 millimetres and a mintage of 750.
Lastly, the 2020 “Birthstones” series continues with another $5 Fine silver coin, this for the month of June.
For more information, visit mint.ca.