Fading daylight casts a golden hue over Canada’s Pacific coast, where the vast horizon joins land, sea and sky—a powerful reminder that the whole of nature is beautifully interconnected. Beginning in the west, the Canadian Coasts series is a finely crafted, square-shaped ode to the distinctive character of our shores, and the waters that line them.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• THIS COIN IS A SQUARE! Canadian Coasts is a limited series of three square-shaped coins that are a combined tribute to the longest coastline in the world! Each square coin represents one of the oceans that line Canada’s shores: Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic!
• BIG ON DETAILS: At (27 mm), the engraved reverse is incredibly detailed, as evidenced by the markings on the orca.
• AN INTRICATE TOUCH OF GOLD: Fittingly, gold plating adds a radiant hue to the setting sun, which in turn “illuminates” the Kermode bear and the rim that frames the reverse. Given the amount of minute details, this artistic touch is an extraordinary feat that required a high level of precision!
• RICH IN SYMBOLISM, ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT: Representing land, sea and sky, the highly symbolic images are arranged in a concentric pattern that also resembles the points of a compass. The design is the same, even when you turn the coin!

DESIGN:

The setting sun is at the centre of this reverse design by Maurade Baynton. Selective gold plating adds a warm, golden hue to the stylized representation of the sun, which evokes images or memories of spectacular sunsets along Canada’s Pacific Coast. The sun’s warmth and beauty radiates outwards, towards the intricately engraved icons that form a concentric pattern around the centre, much like a compass. As though warmed by the sunlight, the Kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei) or spirit bear that famously inhabits British Columbia’s coastal rainforests is also highlighted with selective gold plating. The sailboat represents the sailing tradition along British Columbia’s coast, be it recreational or for fishing, while another great cultural icon, the orca (Orcinus orca), symbolizes our timeless connection with the sea. Gold plating also highlights the rim that frames the reverse, to reinforce the idea that everything in nature is beautifully interconnected. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.