2016 1oz $20 GEOMETRY IN ART: THE POLAR BEAR FINE SILVER COIN

Lines, shapes, patterns and dimension: these fundamental concepts are at the heart of geometry, art and design, forming an indisputable common bond between mathematical and artistic realms. As digital artists seek to recreate the physical world through dimensional images, modelling techniques based on geometric shapes spawned an innovative new visual style: low poly art. This eye-catching five-coin series utilizes this art style to present a contemporary and highly artistic interpretation of Canada’s most famous icons, continuing with the polar bear.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SRP: $99.95
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Mintage: 7,500
Weight (g)*: 31.83
Diameter (mm): 40
Face Value: $20
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Calder Moore
Packaging: Maroon clamshell with graphic beauty box

SPECIAL FEATURES

• A fresh, modern take on Canada’s timeless icons: The second coin in the inventive new fivecoin Geometry in Art series, which reinterprets familiar Canadian emblems—the polar bear, the beaver, the caribou, the loon and the maple leaf—in a low poly art style.
• Breathtaking use of colour: In keeping with the low poly art style, lustrous colours contribute to the perception of depth and shadows; the varying shades of blue and white also help convey the icy feel of the Arctic setting, providing yet another dynamic visual element to the design.
• Crafted in 99.99% pure silver with a low mintage set to only 7,500 worldwide.
• An unforgettable addition to any collection—especially those with a wildlife, nature or Canadiana theme, or any that include the beloved symbols that have come to represent this land and its people.
• A conversation-starter for anyone with an interest in the art style that has evolved from dimensional modelling techniques, particularly those used in Canada’s thriving video game development industry.

DESIGN
The reverse design by Canadian artist Calder Moore features a stylized portrait of the “King of the Arctic” and beloved representative of Canada’s North, the mighty polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Geometry, technology and art intersect as the entirety of the image is presented in a low poly art style; multiple polygon shapes come together to form a mother bear (left) and her cub (right), with each shape made distinct from the other through extraordinary sculpting, cutting-edge technology and advanced finishing techniques. Together, they form a touching scene of this iconic species as a mother bear introduces her cub to Canada’s Arctic waters; gracefully swimming out, the mother turns to face her young as he gingerly attempts his first few strokes. The hard edges that are characteristic of this style lend themselves beautifully to recreating the Arctic ice above and below the water’s surface; yet, it is the application of rich, vibrant colours that brings a dynamic quality to the overall design, infusing it with depth and dimension through different shades of blues and whites which create a playful perception of shadow and light.