CANADA
2012
Swarovski Crystals - Rhododendron
$20 Fine Silver Coin
Specification:
RCM Number: 117486
Face Value: 20 dollars
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight: 31.39 g
Diameter: 38.0 mm
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Proof
Artist: Claudio D'Angelo (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
Glorious Native of the Pacific Coast
The name 'Rhododendron' comes from the Ancient Greek for 'rose' and 'tree.' The Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum), crowned with clusters of frilly pink, purple, or white corolla, is one of the North America's loveliest shrubs, both for its delicate blooms and its striking dark green foliage.
This $20 Fine Silver Coin is certified to be 99.99% fine silver with a metal weight of 31.39 grams and a diameter of 38 millimetres. The third coin in the Royal Canadian Mint's painted wildflower series features a stunning full-colour image by Canadian artist Claudio D'Angelo of three delicate 5-lobed Pacific Rhododendron blooms. The reverse image centres on a perfect specimen, the fine gradations in its petals' colouring-from soft candyfloss pink to robust raspberry-rendered with painstaking care. Its curling stamen, with yellow anthers poised atop slender pink filaments, burst from the flower's centre. Soft yellow markings dot the uppermost petal. To its right, another open blossom turns its face in a three-quarter view. Behind the second flower, the graceful back of a third blossom is visible. The cluster of flowers sits atop four of the beautiful shrub's glossy green leaves. To render the image even more beautiful, three glittering Swarovski 'dew drops' nestle among the delicate petals and leaves