2014 50-CENT SILVER PLATED COIN - LOST SHIPS IN CANADIAN WATERS: R.M.S. EMPRESS OF IRELAND

A commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the loss of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland, Canada's largest maritime disaster.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
SRP: $34.95
Item Number: 130544
UPC: 6-23932-05591-9
Composition: Silver platedcopper
Mintage: 15,000
Weight (g): 32.82
Diameter (mm): 42
Face Value: 50 cents
Finish: Matte proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Yves Bérubé
Packaging: Maroon clamshell with black beauty box


SPECIAL FEATURES:

• This silver-plated copper coin pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the loss of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland, including a hauntingly beautiful portrait of the ill-fated ship, double-dated commemoration and engraved rendition of her bell.
• First coin in a 3-coin series.
• Matte proof finish with colour recreates the conditions leading up to the worst disaster in Canadian maritime history.
• Limited mintage of 15,000.
• A prestigious addition to any Canadiana-, Historythemed or commemorative collection.

DESIGN:
The coloured reverse image, by Canadian artist Yves Bérubé presents an artistic representation of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland in the final moments leading up to the collision. There is an eerie stillness to the scene as the ship sails along the St. Lawrence River. Engraved above the image field is the ship’s fog bell, which sat atop one of the ship’s masts. It is perhaps the most well-known artifact to be recovered from the ship’s watery grave, and its presence on the reverse is particularly poignant given the fog’s role in this tragedy.