2014 50-CENT SILVER PLATED COIN – LOST SHIPS IN CANADIAN WATERS: R.M.S. EMPRESS OF IRELAND

A commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the loss of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland, Canada's largest maritime disaster.

The coloured reverse image, by Canadian artist Yves Bérubé presents an artistic representation of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland in the final moments leading up to the collision. There is an eerie stillness to the scene as the ship sails along the St. Lawrence River. Engraved above the image field is the ship’s fog bell, which sat atop one of the ship’s masts. It is perhaps the most well-known artifact to be recovered from the ship’s watery grave, and its presence on the reverse is particularly poignant given the fog’s role in this tragedy.

SPECIAL FEATURES
- This silver-plated copper coin pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the loss of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland, including a hauntingly beautiful portrait of the ill-fated ship, double-dated commemoration and engraved rendition of her bell.
- First coin in a 3-coin series.
- Matte proof finish with colour recreates the conditions leading up to the worst disaster in Canadian maritime history.
- Limited mintage of 15,000.
- A prestigious addition to any Canadiana-, History themed or commemorative collection.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- Composition Silver plated copper
- Mintage 15,000
- Weight (g)* 32.82
- Diameter (mm) 42
- Face Value 50 cents
- Finish Matte proof
- Edge Serrated
- Artist Yves Bérubé
- Packaging Maroon clamshell with black beauty box
- Finished size 88 mm x 88 mm

LAUNCH DATE: May 6, 2014
ADVERTISING DATE: May 6, 2014