This ultra-low mintage $20 fine silver coin brings to life one of the greatest legends in Norse mythology. While the stories originated in Scandinavia and first arrived in Canada with the Vikings around the year 1000, the Norse gods and the legends surrounding them have had a significant lasting impact on Western culture and language. The coin features the hammer wielding thunder god Thor clearly showing his legendary strength as he battles a giant sea serpent. Selective gold enhances the fine detail of the coin, while the mintage of just 3,500 pieces adds significantly to its collectability. GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse image by Alexandra Lefort depicts the battle between Thor and a giant sea serpent at an end-of-days event in Norse mythology. Clad in the finest clothing and armour of the Viking era, the Norse god of thunder stands with his hammer raised, ready to strike the coiled serpent. Selective gold plating highlights Thor’s hammer, iron gloves and belt. A Norse art-inspired pattern lines the rim on the obverse and reverse, which both feature an antiqued finish. The gold-plated goat heads represent Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr, who pull Thor’s chariot, while the gold-plated Mjöllnir is based on a 10th-century silver pendant. The obverse features the gold-plated effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Norse Mythology:
Norse mythology has influenced the way we tell stories and given rise to everyday words, including some days of the week — Wednesday for Odin, Thursday for Thor and Friday for Freya. The Norse gods and giants are even part of Canada’s multicultural heritage: they’re the folk heroes of Scandinavian Canadians who made their home all over Canada, in places such as Gimli, Manitoba, a community named for the heavenly hall of the righteous after Ragnarök.
Thor is associated with thunder, lightning, oak trees and strength, Thor is the strongest of all the Gods and the protector of mankind in Midgard. He lives in Asgard, and with the all-father Odin, ruled the lives of mortal men.
