Life above and below the waves is beautifully interconnected on this 5oz. fine silver coin, where a humpback whale’s barrier-breaking gesture is re-created in sculptural form. Arching above the cool waters of Northern Canada, the soapstone carving of a whale’s tail makes each coin unique while capturing the magic of a brief encounter with an aquatic acrobat. This 2018 $50 fine silver coin weighs five ounces of pure silver and has a limited mintage of just 1,000. HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

The ice-cool waters of Northern Canada catch the eye in this reverse design by Royal Canadian Mint engraver Cecily Mok. An even application of translucent enamel over a proof finish stands in for the ocean’s sparkling, Arctic-blue waters, while allowing a glimpse of what lies below: The engraved outlines of a humpback whale (Megapteranovaeangliae) and its calf. The large cetacean signals its intent to dive by raising its fluke above the water, where it is represented in sculptural form. Hand-carved by Canadian artist Dave Zachary and his team of sculptors, the tail smoothly arches above the coin’s surface and is made from Canadian soapstone, with colour and marbling variations that make each piece unique. Ice floes edge the waters and bear the engraved words “CANADA” at the top and the face value “50 DOLLARS” and the year “2018” at the bottom. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.