The third coin in the exciting Animal Architects series from the Royal Canadian Mint, this quarter-ounce fine silver coin portrays the Monarch caterpillar! This familiar little creature inches around in bright yellow, black and white stripes until it turns into the widely-recognized Monarch butterfly; the Monarch sports a distinct orange and black pattern, and is the most widespread butterfly in North America. The little caterpillar is considered an architect because of the intricate cocoon it spins for itself in its chrysalis stage: after spinning a silk pad on a twig or leaf, it will hang from it by its last legs in a ‘J’ shape. This phase leads to hormonal changes, and eventually, the metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. This coin, featuring a denomination of $3, is crafted in 99.99% fine silver and employs vibrant, selective colouring that brings the caterpillar and the milkweed leaf it is perched upon to life. The background, which displays the architectural creation of the caterpillar, hangs to foreshadow the chrysalis stage. Complimented with a beautiful mirror-like proof finish, this coin would make a worthy addition to any insect, Canadiana or nature-themed collection of silver.

Diameter: 27mm
Weight: 7.96g
Finish: Proof
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Bullion Weight: 0.256 Troy Ounces

Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Reverse: Monarch caterpillar with selective colour application of caterpillar's bright yellow, black and white stripes and bright green milkweed leaf, large chrysalis engraved in background
Finish: Proof
Series: Animal Architects
Quantity Produced: 10,000
Artist: Trevor Tennant