This 2014 $10 half ounce coin is part of the "O Canada" series launched by the Royal Canadian Mint, a collection of coins dedicated to iconic Canadian imagery; this piece features downhill skiing, a sport enjoyed by many Canadians during our long winters. This exhilarating activity is a perfect way to make use of beautiful snow-covered mountains. Though skiing is popular world-wide, some of the most world-class skiing destinations are right here in Whistler, Banff, and Mount Tremblant. The oldest evidence of skiing originates in modern-day Norway, and this is likely why the word "ski" derives from the Old Norse word skio, meaning "split piece of wood". Mintage is 40,000 coins. HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

The design by Canadian artist Kendra Dixson depicts a skier racing down a mountainside with powder-like snow trailing in his wake. Snow-heavy conifer trees indicate the great elevation at which this person is skiing, while a variety of finishes illuminates the intense beauty of the Rockies. This 99.99% silver coin would be a thoughtful gift for any ski-lover you know, or as an iconic addition to any Canadiana-related series.