 |
 |
 |
|
2022 $200 Celebrating Canada's Diversity: Culture and Traditions 1oz. Pure Gold (No Tax)
Music, dancing, art, food and storytelling—French-Canadian traditions are many and varied, but they all have one thing in common: they make Canada’s cultural mosaic more distinct, vibrant and exciting! The sparkling blue sapphire on this 99.99% pure gold coin serves as a vibrant representation of the Francophone spirit that has always been a cornerstone of our nation. And on this coin’s reverse, the magnificent blue gemstone is surrounded by some of the many diverse symbols that are proudly associated with French heritage in Canada.
Sapphires come in a variety of colours ranging from violet to orange, and even brown or black. As a type of corundum, sapphire is one of the world’s hardest minerals, second only to diamonds!
New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, and that’s why its provincial flower (the purple violet) appears alongside Quebec’s provincial flower (the blue flag iris) on this coin’s reverse.
While the majority of French-Canadians live in Quebec, you’ll find proud Francophone communities all across Canada, with Franco-Ontarians forming the largest community (744,000) outside of Quebec. With approximately 500,000 Acadians in Canada, many reside in the Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
While there is some debate about the exact origins of the ceinture fléchée, French-Canadian, Indigenous and Métis communities all share the arrow sash as a key cultural symbol. After 1835, sashes produced in Canada primarily came from the region of Assomption, Quebec; known as the Assomption sash, its standard design—herringbone stitching with red, blue and white colours—makes it instantly recognizable.
The reverse design by Canadian artist Hélène Girard features a grade AAA rose cut blue sapphire at its centre, where the gemstone’s blue hue represents Canada’s Francophone spirit. The gemstone is surrounded by an engraved arrangement of repeating ornamental flourishes and emblems associated with French heritage in Canada, including: the fleur-de-lis, a symbol that evokes the wider French-speaking community; the blue flag iris, the floral emblem of Quebec; the purple violet, the floral emblem of New Brunswick; and maple leaves that represent all Francophone communities in Canada. The iconic ceinture fléchée (arrow sash) surrounds the design, embracing all the individual elements as a whole. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Specifications:
Item Number: 203914
Mintage: 275
Composition: 99.99% pure gold with genuine sapphire
Weight: 31.16
Diameter: 30 mm
Face Value: $200
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Hélène Girard
Special Features:
• Designed to captivate! Crafted in 99.99% pure gold, this 1 oz. coin features a highly intricate design on its reverse, where the engraved arrangement is a proud celebration of Canada’s rich cultural diversity.
• A stunning sapphire! The coin features a grade AAA natural blue sapphire. The 0.75 carat rose-cut gemstone adds a captivating colour to this design while representing Canada’s Francophone spirit.
• Third coin in the series! This coin is dedicated to all people of French-Canadian heritage! French is one of Canada’s two official languages, and millions of Canadians across the country share this common language. They can lay claim to a proud heritage that is an integral part of this nation’s identity and unique character.
• A symbolic arrangement! Canada’s Francophone communities use diverse emblems to express their identity and pride, and some of those symbols have been combined on your coin’s reverse, where the iconic ceinture fléchée wraps around and embraces them as a whole.
• A rare collectible! Only 275 coins are available to collectors worldwide.
Packaging:
The coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a graphic beauty box.
Please note: This product is not tax exempt due to modifications to the coin, including (but not limited to):
• Embellishments such as sculptures or moving parts
• Crystals, gemstones or diamonds embedded into the coin
• Sculptures and/or other moving parts
Please see The Royal Canadian Mint's FAQ for more details.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
