2018 $30 FINE SILVER COIN – THE QUEEN’S GATE: FORMAL ENTRANCE TO PARLIAMENT HILL

As the ceremonial entrance for the Canadian sovereign or her representative, the Queen’s Gate on Parliament Hill forms a beautiful boundary between the City of Ottawa and the political heart of a nation. This 2 oz. fine silver coin captures the Victorian-era beauty of the commanding gateway on the reverse, where a metal-cast feature adds to a magnificent view that stirs Canadian pride.

DESIGN
Combining high visual appeal with national historical significance, the reverse features a filigree gate that captures the likeness of the Queen’s Gate on Parliament Hill. This multi-dimensional design element is fashioned from black bronze and mimics the wrought-iron vines and floral flourishes that represent the height of Victorian craftsmanship and metalwork. Affixed to the coin’s rim using a tongue-and-groove approach, the imposing entry re-creates the intended viewing experience if one was standing before the actual gate: the centre railing is perfectly aligned with the central axis of the parliamentary grounds, and forms a straight line from the gate, past the Centennial Flame, to the Peace Tower that dominates the Centre Block building. The green lawn, blue sky and burning Flame add colourful vibrancy to the engraved reverse, which was designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin and coloured by Patrick Belanger, while the Peace Tower’s spire and flagstaff add a sense of soaring height by rising up beyond the image’s edge. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

SPECIAL FEATURES
- METALWORK MEETS NUMISMATICS: Our THIRD coin in the gates of Canada series that adds another layer of dimensional artistry to a colour-over-engraved design!
- HISTORY AND ARTISTRY: Fashioned from black bronze and affixed to the coin’s rim, this representation of the Queen’s Gate on Parliament Hill captures the highly intricate, ornamental artistry of its real-life counterpart while allowing a breathtaking view of Parliament Hill behind it!
- IN POSITION: The cast metal element on the reverse is deliberately positioned to align with the Peace Tower—just like the actual gates!
- PUSHING BEYOND CONVENTIONAL LIMITATIONS: The design was made possible by extensive research and development to determine just the right amount of metal required for the delicate-looking filigree without jeopardizing its resilience.
- LARGE SPACE FOR A STATELY SETTING: Crafted from 2 oz. of 99.99% pure silver, the coin’s large diameter (50 mm) allows for an outstanding amount of fine details that transform this piece into a true work of art. A must-have for collectors and art appreciators!

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Mintage: 5,500
Weight (g)*: 62.69
Diameter (mm): 50
Face Value: $30
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Cathy Bursey-Sabourin and Patrick Belanger
Packaging: Maroon clamshell with black beauty box
Finished size: 67mm x 67mm
Master pack: 75

LAUNCH DATE: February 6, 2018
ADVERTISING DATE: October 30, 2017