This exciting new coin is the first in the Royal Canadian Mint’s new Historic Canadian Banknotes series, which evokes the styles and craftsmanship of the late 19th century from original currency engravings.
Drawn from the Canadian Bank of Commerce’s 1888 $20 banknote, this coin features a cherubic figure reclining in a nautical scene that is awash in allegorical meaning. The cherub himself could be interpreted as the ancient Greek god Hermes, patron of travelers, who was often depicted holding a caduceus, a sceptre entwined with serpents. The caduceus was a symbol of commerce and was strongly significant to businesses of the era such as Canada’s early chartered banks. The cherub is reclining on a large fish, a clear symbol of the sea’s importance as both a source of sustenance and commercial prosperity.
In the background several ships navigate the choppy waters of the sea, guided by a single lighthouse on a distant headland. Furthest away the sails of a tall ship can be seen just above the horizon, while in the foreground a small steam-powered boat rolls in the waves. These two vessels and their position in the image illustrate the transitional period of the late 1800’s as technological advances made their way into the lives of Canadians. Between the two ships, a tall sailing ship plows through the storm, powered by its own steam engines, dark plumes emerging from its two central smoke stacks. In this way the large central ship navigates through both the ocean in a literal sense and the through the changes in industry symbolically.
Struck in .9999 pure silver and weighing ¾ of a troy ounce, this coin would make an excellent gift for a wide variety of collectors, including those interested in nautical or banking history, banknote design, or Canadiana in general. Each coin comes encapsulated with a maroon clamshell case, certificate of authenticity and a custom designed beauty box. Limited to 8,500 pieces worldwide.
Diameter: 36.07mm
Weight: 23.17g
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Bullion Weight: 0.75 Troy Ounces
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Reverse: Vignette from the Canadian Bank of Commerce, 1888 $20 bank note
Finish: Proof
Series: Historical Canadian Bank notes
Quantity Produced: 8500
Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
Theme(s): Historical Canadian Bank Notes
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Canadian Monetary History 
