Canada 2 oz. Pure Silver Coin - From the R&D Lab: Flying Loon 2020

The latest innovation from Royal Canadian Mint R&D lab raises the bar when it comes to dimensional design and allows the engraved focal point to reach new heights—literally. Introducing Lifted Engraving, a numismatic first that makes its world debut on this limited-edition prototype. The ground breaking technology is a 3D approach to 2D coin art. It allows to highlight a key design element by raising it above the engraved surface of the coin. To demonstrate its full potential, the never-before-seen technique has been applied to this 2020 pure silver version of the 1997 Flying Loon dollar. The loon you see lifting up from the coin’s surface is not an embellishment—it’s part of the coin. And so is the integrated hinge, which provides just the right amount of lift for our loon, and our new technology, to take flight on this prototype.

It’s all crafted from a single 99.99% pure silver blank and using the same minting process as a standard coin. The development of a new type of die makes it possible to strike the world’s first integrated hinge directly onto the coin’s surface. After deliberately cutting into the coin, the key relief (the loon) is then separated from the rest of the design using proprietary methods that “peel” away the field. And with both ends of the hinge coming together, the key relief is now in position to come out of the coin and greet the viewer.

Add a numismatic first that makes its world debut on this limited-edition prototype to your collection today. 

Details:

Composition99.99% pure silver

Diameter 50 mm

Face Value 1 dollar

Weight 59.5 g

Edge Serrated

Finish Antique

Embellishments Unique shape

DID YOU KNOW?

Loons can only take off when they’re on the water. They also require a long runway to generate enough speed for liftoff.

This Flying Loon design originally appeared on a silver proof dollar and a specimen dollar coin that was exclusive to the Oh Canada! and 1997 specimen sets. It was a special commemorative issue in honour of the 10th anniversary of Canada’s $1 circulation coin (1987-1997).