Canada: Exceptional Movement Silver Proof Coin Depicts Delicate Golden Dragonfly And The Bloom

Most agree that there is something familiar and magical about spotting dragonflies hovering and darting through the air on a summer day, and this is exactly what the golden dragonfly shown on this exceptionally designed ‘movement coin’ is doing. Many people who love nature and the outdoors actually welcome the sight of Dragonflies - as they love mosquitoes. In fact, a single dragonfly can eat more than 100 mosquitoes per day thus controlling the mosquito population. Dragonflies use their feet to grab their insect prey, and their serrated mandibles crush their meal, all aptly accomplished while flying. These large, colourful airborne insects are usually found near fresh water such as ponds, lakes, canals, ditches, and riverbanks. They are also found in open sunny gardens with a variety of plants. Dragonflies are attracted to plants that stand out above others such as tall Asiatic lilies, asters, borage, milkweed, coneflowers, ironweed, pickerel weed and of course water lilies. It’s quite possible dragonflies also prefer sunny days because on overcast days, we’re less likely to see them, even sun-loving water lilies tend to keep their petals folded up.

Designed by RCM Engraver Ryan Poser, his work beautifully captures a 3D dragonfly and water lily in a peaceful aquatic setting that are each cast in sterling silver and plated with yellow gold, evoking the sun’s warm rays. The inward curve of the flower petals changes the way the light reflects off the surface, while the golden gleam shines brightly on the dragonfly’s wings and body. Tilt the coin and watch as the dragonfly actually moves around the bloom, which is fully open to reveal the water-like sparkle of a clear crystal, another feature that speaks to the enchantment of a light-filled summer day. The engraving further pulls the viewer into the scene, where the hovering dragonfly, the engraved water droplets and the ripples on the mirror-like water surface are the only signs of activity in an otherwise tranquil setting.

The coin’s reverse captures a white water lily - Nymphaea odorata bloom above engraved leaves, or pads that lie flat on the mirror-like water surface. Surrounded by rows of petals and stamens, a clear crystal is set at the centre of the water lily, while a common whitetail dragonfly - Plathemis lydia is on the hunt and hovers above the flower’s edge. The water lily and the dragonfly are each cast in sterling silver and plated in yellow gold, as the coin is tipped, the motion causes the dragonfly to circle around the bloom. Above the primary design is the text CANADA and placed below along the lower rim is the year of issue, 2024. The obverse features the effigy of HM King Charles III created by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. The legend CHARLES III and D · G · REX is placed on either side of the king’s likeness and the denomination 50 DOLLARS is placed below along the lower rim.

In place of an ordinary coin capsule, the movement coin is placed on an elegant wooden base and is protected by a clear dome that allows optimum viewing and interacting. The coin is also boxed and accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the Royal Canadian Mint’s e-webshop.