2013 50-CENT COIN - LENTICULAR SNOWMAN

Watch two enterprising children build a snowman, then enjoy the final result with this beautifully colourful lenticular coin designed to celebrate one of the joys of the Canadian winter holidays.

Description:

This holiday coin has a diameter of 35 millimetres. The reverse features two vibrantly coloured images by Canadian artist Tony Bianco. In one image, the artist presents two smiling children dressed in green coats, the older wearing a red toque, red mittens, and a red scarf and the younger wearing fuchsia hat, scarf and mitts, building a snowman together. The first large snowball—the snowman’s base—has been laid in the centre of the image, the younger child heaving it into position as the older child lifts the next large ball on top. Their young dog looks on from the right side of the image, tail raised in the air in excitement. In the foreground lies a small wooden sled with bright red runners. The activity takes place on the snow-covered front lawn of a quaint house, visible in the background where, on the right, snow-covered steps lead to a wreath-decked wooden door. The house’s soffit is decorated with glowing lights, as is a snow-covered pine tree to the left of the front door. Decorative gifts line the bottom of the tree. Inside the window on the right, which is fronted by a snow-filled window box, we see the family holiday tree filled with dazzling lights. In the second image, the snowman stands complete with arms, black top hat, scarf, buttons, broom, eyes, carrot nose and broad smile. The children stand on either side of it, the smaller child on its right hugging the snowman and looking admiringly at their creation and the older child on the left, facing the viewer and smiling proudly. The dog now sits on the sled, its back turned to the viewer, gazing up at the snowman’s face. The images switch when the coin is tipped; a feature rendered using the Royal Canadian Mint’s world-renowned lenticular technology. The reverse is framed by an outer rim bearing the word “CANADA,” the date “2013” and the face value of “50 CENTS.” The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Special Features:

• The seventh issue in the Royal Canadian Mint’s annual series of holiday lenticular coins.
• Bring back great memories of your childhood with this unique colourful artwork.
• Bright colors and 2-image lenticular design: Watch two enterprising young children build a big snowman, then admire their finished work!
• A perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer.

Packaging:

Coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint - branded maroon clamshell case lined with a black flock and protected by a black sleeve.
Finished Packaging Size: 67 mm x 67 mm

Product Specifications:

Item Number:126279
Face Value: 50 cents
Mintage: 20000
Composition: Cupro-nickel
Diameter (mm): 35
Edge: Plain
Finish: Specimen
Certificate: Serialized
Artist:Tony Bianco

Advertising Date: October 1, 2013
Launch Date: October 8, 2013

Complete Certificate Text:

An Old Friend

It begins with a snowball and some imagination. Small warm mittened hands pack the snowball tight, setting it carefully on the soft, sticky snow. A push, a roll and an idea grows: how big will Mr. Frosty become? Together, friends and siblings push side-by-side, rolling the ball across the snow-covered lawn as their man of ice grows and takes shape. The base, now grown so large that they cannot budge it one more inch, rocks to a stop. This will be their snowman’s new home.
The process begins again: snowball, rolling, packing and laughing. The body is ready! Lift it on! One final time, they roll and lift…and their man of snow has a head. He is almost ready. Big brother runs inside to fetch a carrot, buttons, a scarf, and—of course—his father’s old satin top hat. With two buttons, Mr. Frosty gains the gift of sight. A carrot blesses him with scent. An upturned line of small buttons lends him a pleasant smile. With scarf, hat and button-coat, he is complete.
Finally taking notice, puppy looks on in puzzled wonder: why does this person never speak? Who is this man that smells of snow? The children stand back and admire their new friend. Mother takes a photo and everyone smiles. Here Mr. Frosty will stand, guarding their home, greeting holiday guests, and smiling on as children go about their winter adventures—until the thaw carries him off. But never worry: he’ll be back again next year!