2018 5oz $50 WHALE'S TAIL SOAPSTONE SCULPTURE FINE SILVER COIN

Life above and below the waves is beautifully interconnected on this 5 oz. fine silver coin, where a humpback whale’s barrier-breaking gesture is re-created in sculptural form. Arching above the cool waters of Northern Canada, the soapstone carving of a whale’s tail makes each coin unique while capturing the magic of a brief encounter with an aquatic acrobat.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SRP: $549.95
Item Number: 167816
UPC: 6-23932-09225-9
Composition: 99.99% fine silver
Mintage: 1,000
Weight (g): 157.6
Diameter (mm): 65.25
Face Value: $50
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artists: Dave Zachary and Cecily Mok
Packaging: Wooden circular base with black beauty box

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• A SCULPTED PIECE OF COLLECTIBLE ART: A multidimensional, marine-themed showcase that pairs a traditional soapstone sculpture with cutting-edge finishing techniques. 
• HAND-CARVED CANADIAN SOAPSTONE: Rising up from the coin’s surface, the smoothly sculpted whale’s tail is hand-carved by Canadian artist Dave Zachary and his team of sculptors. 
• EACH ONE IS UNIQUE: Soapstone is known for its natural variation of colours and marbling, meaning no two tails —and no two coins—are exactly alike. 
• TRANSLUCENT ENAMEL OVER A PROOF FINISH gives the water its sparkling, Arctic-blue colour, while allowing a glimpse of the engraved whales swimming just below the surface; designed by Royal Canadian Mint engraver Cecily Mok. 
• A WIDE DIAMETER (65.25 mm) provides a large base for the soapstone sculpture and an abundance of space for finely rendered details. 
• DOME-LIKE CAPSULE helps protect your coin and the whale’s tail sculpture from the elements.

DESIGN: 

The ice-cool waters of Northern Canada catch the eye in this reverse design by Royal Canadian Mint engraver Cecily Mok. An even application of translucent enamel over a proof finish stands in for the ocean’s sparkling, Arctic-blue waters, while allowing a glimpse of what lies below: the engraved outlines of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and its calf. The large cetacean signals its intent to dive by raising its fluke above the water, where it is represented in sculptural form. Hand-carved by Canadian artist Dave Zachary and his team of sculptors, the tail smoothly arches above the coin’s surface and is made from Canadian soapstone, with colour and marbling variations that make each piece unique. Ice floes edge the waters and bear the engraved words “CANADA” at the top and the face value “50 DOLLARS” and the year “2018” at the bottom. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.