Canada: 2017 $50 Monarch Migration 3 oz. Silver Coin

Canada: 2017 $50 Monarch Migration Silver Coin

Finish: Proof

Mintage: 3500

Design: Designed by Canadian artist Graham Spaull, the coin captures the enchanting beauty of a beloved summer resident of Canada, whose epic migration is perhaps unrivalled in the insect world. Resplendent in full colour, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) displays its orange-and-black wings as it approaches a patch of milkweeds (Asclepias). The tall, leafy stems are engraved in fine detail to represent an important part of the story: the milkweed is the monarch's host plant. It is essential to sustaining monarch populations, since the butterfly deposits its eggs on the leaves that will exclusively sustain the larvae (caterpillar). The reverse includes the face value "50 DOLLARS" and the year "2017". The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Packaging: The coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon Royal Canadian Mint clamshell case, it is protected by a black beauty box.