Canada Has a Flashy New 3D Coin That Collectors Will Probably Need to Pay for in Instalments

The Royal Canadian Mint released the Murano Monarch Butterfly — Half Kilo Fine Silver Coin, which features its biggest Murano glass butterfly yet.

Canada has a flashy new 3D coin that collectors will probably need to pay for in instalments.

The Royal Canadian Mint has released the Murano Monarch Butterfly — Half Kilo Fine Silver Coin, which features its biggest Murano glass butterfly yet.

The 3D glass butterfly was sourced from Murano, Italy, where “master glassmakers honour a centuries-old process that produces the colours and complexity for which Murano glass is renowned,” according to the Mint.

Each butterfly is handcrafted, so no two Murano monarchs are alike.

Royal Canadian Mint

“It is truly unique to your selectively gold-plated coin, which, from start to finish, celebrates art in its many forms — from the original watercolour painting that the design is based on (as seen on the accompanying art card), to the delicate butterfly that is sure to inspire,” reads the description for the coin.

The design

According to the Mint, the 99.99 per cent pure silver coin is its first half-kilo design featuring a Murano butterfly and selective gold plating.

The glass butterfly on the coin’s reverse is 3D, with its wings lifting off the coin like it’s about to flutter away.

The engraving behind the butterfly, designed by Caren Heine, features an intricate botanical art scene inspired by an original painting. The rim, the effigy on the obverse, and the engraved butterfly on the reverse are all gold-plated.

Royal Canadian Mint

“The monarch butterfly is an amazing and exquisite jewel of nature. I enjoyed trying to capture its beauty in this design, where it is set among its favourite plant, the milkweed, which I planted successfully in my garden!” stated Heine.

“The painting that I submitted was a natural progression, as I have been a watercolour artist for many years and I loved the challenge of depicting the vibrancy of the delicate wings.”

This coin isn’, one that you can keep in your pocket — it comes encapsulated in a dome with a wood base display case.

“Shaped like a glass cloche, the dome and base complement the botanical theme and make for a memorable presentation,” reads the description.

Royal Canadian Mint

Those who purchase it will receive a second certificate of authenticity, proving that the butterfly is genuine Murano glass that was crafted by master glassmaker Vio Col Vetro in Murano, Italy.

How you can collect this coin

It can be purchased on the Mint’s site, but for a price as hefty as its half-kilo weight. With only a low mintage of 800, the coin has a face value of $125, but is being sold for $2,099.95.

The Mint is giving collectors the option to pay for it in instalments.

This isn’t the only lavish coin Canada has released recently. Last month, the Mint unveiled a new, sparkly, blinged-out $20 coin.