2017 1oz $20 NOCTURNAL BY NATURE: THE BARN OWL FINE SILVER COIN

Canada is home to a wide range of nocturnal animals—including the barn owl (Tyto alba), whose acute senses and secretive ways make it one of nature’s most efficient night-time hunters. This fine silver coin captures all of the majesty and beauty of this species in the night sky, as re-created through the innovative use of black rhodium plating.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SRP: $119.95
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Mintage: 7,000
Weight (g)*: 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Face Value: $20
Finish: Matte proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Jamie Desrochers
Packaging: Maroon clamshell with black beauty box

SPECIAL FEATURES
An innovative RCM FIRST: The first-time use of black rhodium plating, one of Earth’s rarest precious metals, lends itself perfectly to recreating the dark night sky, yet allows the moon’s uniquely frosted finish to shine through.
Gaze upon one of Canada’s most efficient and secretive nocturnal predators: the barn owl.
The light-and-dark contrast sets the perfect mood for a night-time hunt, while enhancing the natural silver shine of the engraved owl in the foreground.
Tilting the coin alters one’s perception of the plating’s hue, which varies from a dark black colour to a gun-metal grey, and adds to the contemporary look and feel of the overall design.
A dynamically layered design that is brimming with detail, thanks to the intricate engraving that re-creates the lunar craters and the owl’s most distinguishing features.
A gorgeous addition to any wildlife-, nature- or Canadiana-themed collection, but also a valued collectible that is sure to be appreciated for its beautiful artistic merit.

DESIGN
The reverse design by Canadian artist Jamie Desrochers features a contemporary stylized depiction of a barn owl (Tyto alba) descending upon its prey, as viewed from the ground looking up at the night sky. In the background, the creative use of black rhodium plating serves as a stunning backdrop for this night-time scene; detailed engraving re-creates the cratered surface of the full moon, which is brought to life through the use of bold frosting peering through the dark plating. The coin’s silver surface also lends itself beautifully to evoking the luminous quality of moonlight on the engraved owl in the foreground, which seemingly shines brighter against the dark image field. Flying on outstretched wings, the owl conveys its stealthy hunting prowess through its fixed stare, as it seems to close in on the viewer. The engraving captures much of the owl’s most distinctive features—from its characteristic heart-shaped face and sharp talons, to the spotted appearance of its wing and tail feathers.