Canada 2010 Year of the Tiger Chinese Lunar Zodiac $15 Lotus Shaped Silver Proof

Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar (rather than the solar) cycle. There are twelve animals in the Chinese lunar zodiac, each corresponding in sequence to a year rather than a month. In 2010 we celebrated the Year of the Tiger. According to tradition, people born during a Year of the Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010) are said to exhibit that animal's attributes. They are charismatic and fearsome, generous but unpredictable. They are often noted for their enthusiasm in life, and are unafraid of exploring new territory. They can also be aggressive, especially when they perceive a threat or are cornered. This is the first annual release in the Lunar Zodiac Lotus Proofs series from Canada!

Texte du certificat " Dollar epreuve numismatique Le dollar en argent de 1995 marque le 325eme anniversaire de la fondation de la Compagnie de la Baie d'Hudson. Le dessin du revers, de l'artiste canadien Vincent McIndoe, montre Medard Chouart, sieur des Groseilliers, et Pierre-Esprit Radisson, explorateurs et pionniers de la Compagnie, le navire ''Nonsuch" qui amena les commercants sur les rives de la baie d'Hudson ainsi que le fort Charles, le poste de traite original, rebaptise plus tard "maison Rupert". Argent 925 Diametre 36,07 mm Poids 25,175 g ---------------- Text from the certificate "Proof Dollar The 1995 Silver Dollar marks the 375th anniversary of the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company. The design on the reverse, by Canadian artist Vincent McIndoe, depicts Medard Chouart (the Sieur des Groseilliers) and Pierre-Esprit Radisson, explorers and pioneers of the Company, the ship 'Nonsuch' that brought the traders to the shores of Hudson Bay, and Charles Fort, the original trading post which was later renamed 'Rupert's House'. " 925 Silver Diameter 36.07 mm Weight 25.175 g

This photo is straight-from-camera, save for cropping and border. When the silver on the surface of the coin interacts with other substances, such as storage cases, interesting things can happen. Sometimes the "toning" is ugly and it ruins the coin, but sometimes the toning makes the coin unique and beautiful.

The Royal Canadian Mint has placed a strict and and low mintage on these coins. With the unprecedented demand of these gorgeous .9999 fine silver coins in Europe and the rest of the world, these Timber Wolf coins will sell out very fast! The Canadian Timber Wolf coin is the first coin released in the Royal Canadian Mint's 3-year long "Canadian Wildlife Coin Series" program. The second coin is scheduled to be released in March 2011. The obverse of the coin bears Queen Elizabeth II with a $5.00 CAN face value. The reverse has a beautifully designed Canadian Timber Wolf, with the moon and night time mountain side landscape behind this majestic Canadian predator. Brilliant Uncirculated!