Colour comes together in this 2011 $20 coin with three genuine Swarovski elements to create this gorgeous keepsake. The shine of a proof finish on pure silver creates a stunning setting for this original and enduring rose bouquet anyone would enjoy. Mintage is 10,000 coins. HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

Droplets of morning dew glitter from the leaves and flowerof the wild rose with a new bud emerging in the background.

The Wild Rose:

Every summer, the wild rose (Rosa acicularis) comes into bloom in the Maritimes, across the continent to the lower valleys of the Rocky Mountains, and north to Nunavut.

The breathtaking show usually begins in June, but is delayed further north. Young buds appear almost red before they open to reveal vibrant pink petals with a yellow pollen-bearing stamen at their center. Pink gradually fades to white before the petals fall and the flower turns to fruit for autumn.

These “rose hips” are treasured by white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare that nimbly chew their way around the prickly barbs to eat the fruit that is rich in vitamin A, crude protein and the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C. Not only is the wild rose beautiful, it is also nutritious and healing as revealed by many First Nation’s traditions from coast to coast to coast.