The Royal Canadian Mint launched its third release from a series featuring popular flowers with the 2014 $5 Poinsettia Fine Silver Coin with Niobium Coloring.
Highlighting the coin’s design is a poinsettia flower that has been individually oxidized to permanently change the color of the metal. Surrounding the niobium core is 99.99% pure silver.
"Across Canada, the poinsettia is a cherished plant that comes into full bloom in December to beautify homes, offices, stores and institutions during the holiday season," describes the Royal Canadian Mint. "It’s considered one of North America’s best-selling potted plants, with a number of commercial growers in British Columbia churning out thousands of festive blooms for Canadians to enjoy each year."
The Poinsettia plant is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett brought cuttings of the plant to his South Carolina home in the early 1800’s. The plant soon became popular and spread quickly. It originated in Mexico and was once cultivated by the Aztecs as a gift from the gods.
Poinsettia Silver Coin Designs and Specifications
On the coin’s reverse is the distinctive color of the poinsettia flower contrasted against leaves of the plant. Inscribed around the design is CANADA and 5 DOLLARS. Designer Bert Liverance’s initials of BAL are also found to the lower right of the flower.
Each coin is struck as legal tender of Canada and features an obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. Obverse inscriptions include ELIZABETH II, D G REGINA and the year of 2014.
Specifications for the 2014 $5 Poinsettia Silver Coin with Niobium Coloring are:
- Mintage: 6000
- Composition: 99.99% pure silver with niobium core
- Finish: proof
- Weight: 9 g
- Diameter: 28 mm
- Edge: interrupted serrations
- Certificate: serialized
- Face value: 5 dollars
- Reverse Artist: Bert Liverance
- Obverse Artist: Susanna Blunt
The Royal Canadian Mint’s Flowers of Canada niobium series debuted in 2014 with a coin portraying a tulip. It was followed later in the year with one showcasing a single rose.
Ordering Details
The 2014 $5 Poinsettia Fine Silver Coin with Niobium Coloring may be ordered directly from the Royal Canadian Mint. Current pricing is listed as CAD $139.95, or about US $126. An affiliate link to the coins of the series Mint.ca page is right here.
Each coin ships encapsulated and in a maroon clamshell display case.
