Last updated on June 25th, 2020 at 11:15 pm
Last Updated on June 25, 2020 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
If you were to take a look at the new coin set from the Mint, you would notice that the story of the Vikings is beautifully featured on all three coins by three talented artists who managed to create a combined Norse artistry. Collectors can visualize the voyages that the Vikings partook in as well as their exploration and settlement in various parts of Canada. All three pieces in this set serve the purpose of re-imagining the arrival of Viking ships in Canada and how all of it could have possibly happened over 1,000 years ago. So, if you’re into Vikings and Norse mythology, you’re surely going to be a fan of these coins of Canada by the Mint. Read on for a detailed description of each coin’s design and a brief history of Vikings in Canada.
Vikings in Canada
According to archaeological evidence, the Vikings went on multiple explorations of Canada. Thanks to their written records of settlements in Canada we have an insight into the course of events and all the tribulations during that period. At the beginning of their arrival, the Norse settled L’Anse aux Meadows and it served as their base settlement. With indigenous people already present in the country, the Norse surely encountered them at some point and the records say the end results were either amicable or violent encounters.
1st Coin: Northern Fury
The first piece from the set was designed by Patrick Belanger. He tried to show the power of the Vikings by depicting a longship with the head of a dragon. In the background, we can see a sail equipped with shields travelling forward with the help of the wind. The dragon head on the prow was there for a reason. It served to fend off any evil spirits or sea monsters. The frame on the coin is of green colour and the style represents Norse art, including their knotwork.
2nd Coin: Dragon’s Sail
Jean-Pierre Vallée was responsible for designing the second piece. His inspiration came from Leif Eriksson’s voyage including a dragon ship sailing in the foreground and the North Atlantic coast in the background of the reverse. The intricate carving and the detailed design bring out the amazing woodwork that these ships were known for. This design is also surrounded by a circular frame with traditional Norse knotwork.
3rd Coin: Viking Voyage
The third coin features Neil Hamelin’s design and yet another part of the Viking’s expedition to Canada. With this piece, we can see the ship at sea from above and the mariners who are on it. The wind is blowing the sails, pushing the ship forward with the head of the dragon perfectly visible. The frame carries intertwined serpents placed around the design and with red colour in the background. There are four runic letters engraved on the reverse representing north, east, south, and west. All three coins have Susanna Blunt’s engraving of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
Get Your Set From Colonial Acres
The Norse sagas and the voyages they mention are now featured on a stunning three-coin set from the Royal Canadian Mint. These coins of Canada show the voyages of Vikings who were on their way to their first settlements. You are able to purchase this timeless set at Colonial, packaged in Mint’s branded maroon clamshell and black beauty box. In that way, you’ll have a beautiful package to display the coins in or just keep them safe from damage.