For more than 500 years some European mints have issued small quantities of double thickness “piedfort” coins for nobility, dignitaries and VIP collectors. This new 2017 $25 pure silver coin continues this tradition with an extra thick format coin featuring a highly detailed image of two national symbols. Mintage is extremely limited at just 7,000. As a pure silver item this coin is HST/GST exempt.

The word "piedfort" literally means "strong foot" in French and appeared centuries ago to mean "heavy measure" in minting. Today, "piedfort" indicates that a coin is thicker than usual.

The reverse design by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc carries great meaning on this 150th anniversary of Confederation, by paying tribute to Canada’s evolving history through the two foremost national icons. A transition marks the center of the field, with classic depictions on the left to represent the nation’s past (1867), and more contemporary versions on the right to represent both the present (2017) and beyond. Both icons are resplendent in selective gold plating. Foremost is the beaver, the industrious mammal that is symbolizes Canada’s sovereignty. Its tail and back half are texturally detailed, as it has appeared on previous coin designs, while the front portion transitions into a stylized silhouette that offers a more modern take on this Canadian icon. Behind it is the iconic maple leaf, whose serrated edges and deeply veined lobes are fixtures throughout the design. The left features a more natural and life-like appearance that evokes the reverse of the beloved Silver Maple Leaf (SML) coin, while the right portion places a strong emphasis on symmetry and conveys a sense of strength.

The reverse also features the date “2017”, and engraved word “CANADA”, and the denomination “25 Dollars”. The obverse by Susanna Blunt features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with selective gold plating.