This 2017 $20 proof fine silver coin is the first of a three coin series that features some of the marvels that live in Canadian waters. This seahorse coin is enhanced with the use of colour, engraving and with a new type of Mosaic murrini sculpted borosilicate glass element. The sea has its secrets, for beneath the ocean waves lies a hidden realm filled with enchantment and wonders of all shapes and sizes. This colourful underwater paradise is home to awe-inspiring creatures such as the diminutive seahorse. Mintage is limited to just 7,500 coins. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.

Mosaic Murrini

The seahorse-shaped glass element is the result of a laborious handcrafted process in which different colours of glass rods (stringers) are layered and fused together to form a colourful mosaic that reveals the final image when sliced. The handcrafted nature of both the murrini element and its glass enclosure make each coin unique. Despite its delicate appearance, the glass embellishment is sculpted from borosilicate glass, which is highly resilient yet lightweight.

Design

The reverse design by Canadian artist Maurice Gervais offers a glimpse of the hidden underwater world off Canada’s Atlantic coast, thanks to its depiction of a shallow sea grass habitat. The application of vivid coloured enamel over the detailed engraving recreates the textured rocks, seashells and swaying green grasses that line the sandy ocean floor. To the right, a handcrafted glass embellishment contains a striking seahorse-shaped mosaic murrini element. The mosaic-based approach to this glass art technique lends itself well to recreating the seahorse’s speckled colouring, while other features such as its bony armour, pointed snout and curled tail are equally captured in extraordinary detail.