2011 1oz $20 COLOURED SILVER COIN - WILD ROSE

2011 $20 Coloured Silver Coin - Wild Rose

Beauty and fortitude - from East to West

From the Maritimes to the lower mountain valleys of the Rocky Mountains and north to Nunavut, the wild rose (Rosa acicularis) punctuates the Canadian landscape with pink.

Blooming begins in June, but is delayed until July further north. During this time, the small 1 m (3-4 ft) shrub displays profusion of elegant flowers that grow individually or in clusters of two or three. The young buds appear almost red before they open to reveal vibrant pink petals with a yellow pollen-bearing stamen at their center. As the petals mature, they gradually fade to white and will disappear altogether as the flower sets its fruit by autumn.

This fruit is known as a ?rose hip? and is treasured by white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare alike. They are unable to resist this floral delicacy and nimbly chew their way around the dense armor of prickly barbs in order to savour its juicy flesh. Rose hips are rich in vitamin A and crude protein; they are an excellent winter source of the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C.

First Nations traditions also reveal a wealth of medicinal uses for this beautiful and hardy plant. The roots provide a key ingredient for remedies to soothe sore throats and coughs; and relieve sore eyes and swelling. The leaves and bark can also be used to treat snow blindness. The pain from a bee sting can also be significantly reduced by placing chewed leaves on the site.

Specifications:
Item number: 112465
Face Value: 20 dollars
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Edge: Serrated Finish: Proof
Certificate: Serialized
Artist: Margaret Best

Special Features:

• Previous 2010 issue sold out!
• Two special effects - a coloured design plus three Swarovski Elements.
• A unique keepsake honouring Canada’s botanical heritage.
  
  Packaging:
  Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.