Last updated on June 25th, 2020 at 11:22 pm
Last Updated on June 25, 2020 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
Friendship is a wonderful part of the human experience. When people find common interests and simply bond with others, emotional and psychological benefits are immeasurable. Friends indicate their affection for each other through many means. One such method is gift-giving. But sometimes it can be difficult to find that perfect gift for a friend. Silver bullion coins make perfect friendship tokens and Royal Canadian Mint has successfully crafted the perfect coin for this purpose. For the coin, they have managed to masterfully intertwine Asian culture with Canadian culture to produce a coin that works perfectly as a keepsake gift for varying relationships and memorable occasions.
Pandas – The Ultimate Symbol for Friendship
This coin is panda-themed which is very significant as the animal (which is also considered a national treasure in China) is associated with friendship. Pandas are suitable symbols for friendship because of their very amicable characteristics. They are very docile animals who are often described as being playful and sweet-natured. To top it all off they are also quite adorable.
The presence of the panda on the coin, represents, in part, the relationship that exists between China and Canada. In fact, a very active panda sharing arrangement exists between the two countries in which China loans the animals (which are now considered vulnerable which is an improvement upon the former status ‘endangered’) are allowed to remain in Canadian zoos such as the Calgary Zoo for an agreed period of time.
Artwork on the Coin
On the reverse of the coin, designer Simon Ng’s beautiful craft work is found. It comprises two giant pandas sitting beside each other and facing the onlooker while chewing on bamboo sticks. The image of the panda friends is dominant, almost taking up the entire 27 millimetres that represent the coin’s diameter. A multicultural appeal is achieved through a combination of three features appearing above the heads of the pandas. One is a Chinese symbol for friendship, which is located above the head of the panda who appears a little closer to the front. The other two features are the English word friendship and its French translation amitié, which can be found on both sides above the pandas’ heads and just below the rim of the coin. In the center, the words Canada 2019 are seen. The obverse depicts the Susanna Blunt effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The coin is 99.99% pure silver and has gold plating. It also carries a face value of 8 dollar and weighs 7.96 grams. The face value is symbolic as it represents good fortune in Chinese culture. It is quite affordable, especially when compared with other coins in Royal Canadian Mint’s catalogue and the gold plating adds to the beauty and elegance of the piece. It also represents prosperity.
Bonus Feature
This package is sweetened by the addition of three Chinese calligraphy cards. The cards are designed to represent peace, strength and happiness, all feelings triggered by the coin they accompany. The Chinese calligraphy reflected on these cards is the work of renowned calligrapher Kit Au, whose work can also be seen on platforms in China’s subway stations. You can use these cards to customize your gift (by, for example, attaching one or a combination of cards reflecting one of the themes – peace, happiness, strength). This adds to the flexibility of this package as you can make it unique to your type of relationship which may range from a friendship to a family-based one.
This and other amazing Royal Canadian Mint produced silver bullion coins are available at Colonial Acres. With a Colonial Acres purchase, you are guaranteed genuine high-quality coins. The coins are serialized and sale is accompanied by the issuing of a Royal Canadian Mint certificate of authenticity that serves as proof of the coin’s value.