Canada goes big and bold with a ten ounce Superman Shield coin in fine silver

With the Royal Canadian Mint having released waves of Superman coins for several years now, the style and design has seemingly become more ambitious as time has moved on. This months big release is a good case in point. Gone is the relative safety of a one-ounce coloured silver coin and in comes a custom-shaped design of a hefty ten ounces in weight.

One of the most recognisable images in the world, the S-shield Superman logo has spent decade after decade permeating its way into popular culture through thousands of comic books, as well as multiple movies and tv shows, and an almost limitless variety of memorabilia items. If you’re going to be a showpiece numismatic to celebrate the character, the shield is probably the way to go.

It’s a much cleverer design than appears at first glance. A simple silver shield woiuld have been an easy way to go, but the mint has expended much care and attention on placing images of the many incarnations of Superman into the background behind the translucent red colouring. Nine different classic scenes from the comics are incorporated seemlessly into the design. Going this route and avoiding the opinion-dividing movie imagery will likely pay dividends in the long run. It’s fair to say the comics will be remembered and respected long after the movie has faded into obscurity.

As a Canadian coin the obverse depicts the usual Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth II against a background pattern that we could best describe as ‘shattered-crystal’. Disappointingly, the coin comes in a big standard snapper case. A certificate of authenticity is enclosed and the whole thing comes in a themed shipper. We’re a little surprised that at a hefty $1149.95 CAD the mintage is set at 1,500 units and we would be staggered if this sold out, but the mint knows its customers much better than I do, so we’ll wait and see.

2017 DC COMICS ORIGINALS: SUPERMANS SHIELD SILVER COIN

MINTS DESCRIPTION

It is the ultimate re-creation of a near-universal symbol for hope: Superman’s iconic emblem leaps off the pages and into your collection with this S-Shield-shaped coin! The image is unmistakable, thanks to the application of red enamel along the “S”. Take a closer look: the bold colour is transparent, revealing a collage of comic book action scenes that chart Superman’s evolution through the ages, and all engraved in incredible detail!

Established with firm Canadian roots, Superman was the first Super Hero to define a genre that has spawned countless characters in the DC Comics pantheon. He was the inspiration for a new archetype that not only exists today, but is arguably more popular than ever. Canadian visionaries such as Jeff King and David Finch continue to shape Superman, by lending their talents as storytellers and further adding to the history and legacy of this international icon.

Superman is the most powerful being on the planet, thanks to an astounding array of super powers that include strength, flight, invulnerability and even heat vision. Yet, these same abilities are also a constant reminder of how different he is from the people he is dedicated to protect. In fiction and in reality, the Last Son of Krypton is a near-universal icon whose shield has become one of the most recognisable symbols in the world—one that transcends political boundaries, languages and cultures to inspire hope by representing truth and justice for all.

REVERSE: The reverse design of this “diamond”-shaped coin features an engraved rendition of Superman’s shield. Within the “S” of the shield, scenes from several Superman comic books are positioned as a unique collage that highlights Superman’s long and illustrious history; this visual journey through Superman’s different looks and eras is carefully covered by transparent enamel, which allows the engraving to peer through the red sheen of the “S”. A laser halftone pattern behind the shield adds a graphic element that fills the background and infuses design with a classic comic book feel.

OBVERSE: The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt and the words “CANADA”, “2017” and “100 DOLLARS”.

SPECIFICATION

NAME 2017 SUPERMANS SHIELD
DENOMINATION $100 Canadian
COMPOSITION 0.9999 silver
WEIGHT 315.2 grams
DIMENSIONS 110.00 x 87.50 mm
FINISH Proof
MODIFICATIONS Shield-shaped, colour
MINTAGE 1,500
BOX / COA Yes / Yes
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