Canadian Ultra-High Relief 2010 Sun Silver Coin Sells Out

The Royal Canadian Mint in October released limited edition silver coin that was only the second ever proof dollar struck in ultra high relief long associated with ancient medallic art. Symbolizing the sun in three dimensions, the specially crafted coin has sold out.

The sun has always been an important (if not the most importance) aspect of life. Without it the planet would just be another cold chunk floating through space, void of all living creatures as we know them. It is not surprising then, that man has used the sun as a symbol of extreme power for ages.

The indigenous people of Canada, known to locals as people from the First Nations, also regarded the sun as a giver of life and placed images of the sun on their masks and their totem poles. In continuing the tradition of symbolically portraying the sun, the Royal Canadian Mint issued the 2010 Silver Proof Ultra-High Relief Sun Coin with a mintage of only 5,000. Interested collectors will now have to turn to the secondary market, where samples are difficult to find.

Struck from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, and with a weight of 30 grams and a diameter of 36.15, the silver coin features an ultra-high relief that has only been used once before on a proof coin from the Mint. With such a unique design, it is not uncommon for the surface to show slight inconsistencies, and this should be expected from a coin requiring the level of hand-crafting and polishing that this one does.

"This sterling silver masterpiece is the product of hours of handcrafting and polishing, which gives each coin some minute distinctions," the Royal Canadian Mint said in a press statement about the coin.

The obverse, designed by Susanna Blunt, features a profile of Queen Elizabeth II of England as well as the inscriptions ‘Elizabeth II’ and ‘2010.’ As the coin is issued as part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games series, the Vancouver Olympic logo is also featured.

Xwa lack tun (Rick Harry) designed the reverse of this one dollar coin. It features a sun with facial characteristics such as two eyes and a mouth. The sun is protruding from the face of the coin in a high relief. Around the sun are the inscriptions ‘Canada Dollar’ and ‘Vancouver 2010.’

For silver coins available by the Royal Canadian Mint, visit their website at www.mint.ca.

2010 Sun Silver Coin Image