Canada: 2018 $50 Whale's Tail Soapstone Sculpture 5 oz. Pure Silver Coin

Canada: 2018 $50 Whale's Tail Soapstone Sculpture 5 oz. Pure Silver Coin

Design: The ice-cool waters of Northern Canada catch the eye in your coin's design by Royal Canadian Mint engraver Cecily Mok. An even application of translucent enamel over a proof finish stands in for the ocean's sparkling Arctic-blue waters, while allowing a glimpse of what lies below: the engraved outlines of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and its calf. The large cetacean signals its intent to dive by raising its fluke above the water, where it is represented in sculptural form. Hand-carved by Aboriginal artist Dave Zachary, the tail smoothly arches above the coin's surface and is made from Canadian soapstone, with colour and marbling variations that make each piece unique. Ice floes edge the waters and bear the engraved words “CANADA” at top, while the face value “50 DOLLARS” and the year “2018” are at the bottom. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Mintage: 1000

Composition: 99.9% pure silver

Finish: Proof

Weight (g): 157.6

Diameter (mm): 65.25

Edge: serrated

Face value: $50

Artist: Dave Zachary and Cecily Mok (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

Packaging: Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded wooden circular base with a black beauty box.