2017-09-18 Mon

The Royal Canadian Mint issued a pair of new Proof silver coins that reminds us the joys of a beach vacation. Issued on 5th September, just as the unofficial end to summer arrived, these Proof 2017 .9999 fine silver $20 coins showcase a day at the ocean’s edge, celebrating the Atlantic starfish and the sea turtle. The starfish coin marks the beginning of the From Sea to Sea to Sea series, while the turtle coin is the third and final issue in the Under the Sea series.

Canadian artist Tony Bianco designed it; the reverse of the Atlantic starfish coin depicts a glimpse of Atlantic Canada’s coastal waters. Beneath the engraved word Canada stands a lighthouse on the rocky shoreline, where the sentinel was the first sign of land to many travelling by sea.

The reverse showcases a crashing wave that is transforming into a calm underwater realm, recreating an ocean floor lined with shells, sand, and seagrasses.

The gold plating is evenly distributed that draws attention to two starfish while providing an enhanced view of their defining characteristics. Against the silver background, the gold plating shines as it depicts the rough, spiny appearance of these five-armed ocean dwellers and adds a sense of texture and dimension to the idyllic aquatic setting. Also, the gold plating makes the sea turtle stand out.

Canadian artist Maurice Gervais designed the reverse and explores the underwater world of Canada’s coast, where the colour highlights the coral, ferns, and rocks that lie beneath the gentle waves. On the left, a handcrafted embellishment by Canadian glass artist Loïc Beaumont-Tremblay contains a sea turtle-shaped mosaic murini (or murrini) element unique to each coin.

The mosaic style of this glass art technique helps recreate the turtle’s distinctive appearance. Positioned to mimic the turtle’s movements through the water, the murini piece is itself enclosed in its own glass “shell” sculptured from borosilicate glass.

Both coins depict the Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Both coins weigh 31.38 grams, measure 38 millimeters in diameter and have a mintage limit of 7,500 pieces each.

The RCM issued the starfish coin at an issue price of $112.95 Canadian, and the sea turtle coin was released at $151.95 Canadian.