CoinWeek has selected the Royal Canadian Mint’s 2023 Puzzle Coin – Celestial Circle as its silver medal-winning coin design for 2023.
“In 2023, the Royal Canadian Mint continued to push the envelope with this attractive gold-plated silver puzzle coin,” states CoinWeek. “The design is the work of artist Morgan Asoyuf and is a celebration of the Indigenous (Ts’msyan) culture of Canada’s northwest coastal region. The puzzle coin is comprised of eight pieces that have a combined face value of $190 and a large $50 coin in the centre. Seven interlocking pieces wrap around. The interplay between the textured gold surface and the black artistic detail is reminiscent of the Japanese painted Ōban coins of the 16th century.” With a mintage of 1,000, the puzzle coins sold out quickly.
CoinWeek’s editors reviewed more than 200 legal tender coins produced in 2023 by public and private mints. It selected its top three designs. The U.S. 2023 Jovita Idar quarter was selected as the best coin design, while the Austrian Mint’s 2023 Camomile Coin – Celestial Circle was awarded the bronze medal.