2003 1oz $20 NATURAL WONDERS: NIAGARA FALLS

Derived from the aboriginal word “onguiaahra,” Niagara means “thundering noise.” Indeed, the sheer power of 5,520 cu m (194,940 cu ft or 1,500,000 gallons per second) of water roaring over the edge of a huge gorge is a sight visitors won’t soon forget. Straddled between two nations, Niagara Falls consists of the Canadian crescentshaped Horseshoe Falls (57 m, 188 ft tall) and the
straighter (55 m, 180 ft tall) American Falls on the south side of the river. Formed 12,000 years ago when glaciers retreated north, the Falls were originally 11 km (7 mi) downstream from where they are now. Today, hydroelectric plants that divert much of the water slow the rate of erosion. Still, Niagara Falls continues to retreat about 36 cm (1 ft) every ten years. Samuel de Champlain is believed to have visited the falls in 1613. Today, this geographic wonder continues to attract 15 million visitors from around the world each year.

Special features :

•99.99% Fine Silver
•Hologram technology
•The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II by Dora de Pédery-Hunt.
•Authorized by the Government of Canada.

SPECIFICATIONS

Face value : $20
Mintage : 30,000
Composition : 99.99% Fine Silver
Weight (g) : 31.390
Diameter (mm) : 38

Packaging: 

Outer sleeve might have natural wear and tear, coin might have milk spots or toning