Throughout our history, the oceans that border our land have alternately nurtured, challenged and fascinated Canadians. The three-coin From Sea to Sea to Sea series concludes its extraordinary oceanic journey by travelling to Canada’s northern coast, where the beluga has long been an important part of culture and survival in the Far North.
Designed by Canadian artist Tony Bianco, the reverse image peers into the waters off Canada’s northern coast for a glimpse of an iconic marine species. The engraved word “CANADA” hangs above a rugged mountain peak, which rises up from the snow and ice-covered shores of the Arctic Ocean. Sweeping over the increasingly shallow water, the breaking swell adds a sense of movement to the design; the motion of the water’s surface also marks a dynamic transition to the underwater realm, where detailed engraving recreates the rock-lined ocean floor. The selective use of gold plating shines the spotlight on three engraved whales: an adult beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) on the left is shown in side profile as it curiously lifts its head above the water; another lifts its flukes above water while releasing a stream of underwater bubbles from its blowhole, while its curved descent is mimicked by the calf at its side.
Third and FINAL coin in a superb series that celebrates the diversity of marine life found along Canada’s Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts.
Diameter: 38 mm
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Weight: 31.39 g
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Reverse: Engraved selectively gold-plated beluga whales
Artist: Tony Bianco
Finish: Proof
Series: Sea to Sea to Sea, No. 3 of 3
Quantity Produced: 7500
Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
Theme(s): Wildlife, Nature, Canadiana
|