A newly released $20 silver coin from the Royal Canadian Mint features a one-of-a-kind embellishment of a darner dragonfly in niobium.
Another first for the Mint, the handcrafted depiction mimics the dragonfly’s iridescent appearance with its blue and violet hues.
Two Canadian artists collaborated in creating the silver coin’s reverse. Jewelry artist Karen Hunter handcrafted the dragonfly-shaped niobium embellishment, which has added appeal due its unique array of colors.
"The niobium was exposed to electricity to produce a transparent oxide film that refracts light. Different voltages generate different thicknesses that, in turn, create different colours — and a totally unique dragonfly for you to enjoy," the Royal Canadian Mint describes.
Emily Damstra executed the coin’s summer-day aquatic design. It features a frosted lily pad complete with surrounding ripples of waters from a dragonfly’s landing. Reverse inscriptions include CANADA, 20 DOLLARS, and ED for Damstra’s initials.
Susanna Blunt’s effigy of the Queen adorns the coin’s obverse or heads side. Around the portrait are inscriptions of ELIZABETH II, D G REGINA and SG for the artist’s initials.
Coin specifications from the Royal Canadian Mint include:
- Mintage: 6,000
- Composition: 99.99% pure silver
- Finish: proof
- Weight (g): 31.39
- Diameter (mm): 38
- Edge: serrated
- Certificate: serialized
- Face value: 20 dollars
- Reverse Artist: Emily Damstra (design); Karen Hunter (niobium dragonfly)
- Obverse Artist: Susanna Blunt
Ordering
Pricing per piece is CAD $148.95 or about US $115. The silver coin is available from the Royal Canadian Mint at mint.ca. An affiliate link to the coin’s product is right here.
Coins arrive encapsulated and presented in RCM-branded presentation case that ships within a beauty box.
