Black Rhodium Plating
In order to achieve this dark, near black look, layers of black rhodium are built up to a precise level in order to achieve just the right color. This was a special challenge for RCM engineers who had to find a way to apply this rhodium plating with the same consistency on every coin, including inside the super incuse maple design.
Found in the copper-nickel sulfide ores of Ontario, Canada, rhodium is the rarest of all non-radioactive metals. As of 12/15/2022 it was valued at $10,800 an ounce, although it peaked at $27,000 in 2021. It naturally has a fine, silvery color, and only when changed into the top-secret alloy known as “black rhodium” does it take on the beautiful, dark gunmetal tone seen here.
The obverse features the RCM’s exclusive effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt in 2003. The transitional version of the classic effigy, it includes the first and last dates of her reign, separated by four small circles representing the four effigies used prior to this design. The only part of the obverse not covered in black rhodium is the queen herself. Appearing in polished silver or gold, she appears radiant amid the darkness.
This side of the design is not incuse.
Inscriptions include: ELIZABETH II | 20 DOLLARS | 1952-2022 | 2023
The reverse features the iconic Sugar Maple Leaf design, unchanged since it was created by Walter Ott (1920-2022) over four decades ago, yet now struck to super incuse depths and plated in black rhodium. This beautiful yet dark, lonely maple struck deep into the center of the coin seems to represent a mourning Canada.
Inscriptions include: CANADA | 9999 | 9999 | FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR)
The coin will be shipped within 5 business days of cleared payment.