The Royal Canadian Mint kicks off 2015 in the style to which we’ve become accustomed; namely lots of coins. As is usually the case, we’ve divided up the releases into three posts for easier reading. Yesterday saw the release of the Sir John Alexander Macdonald trio of coins, and earlier today we posted up the first batch of the rest of them. Here we have the remaining coins.

With it being the 50th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada, it’s only natural we’d see some coins featuring the flag and it’s main motif, the Maple Leaf. Unfortunately, if there’s one thing we’re not short of from the Royal Canadian Mint, it’s coins depicting the Maple Leaf, What they don’t need is a further excuse to add to the crowd, but that’s what we’ve got.

There’s actually a third variant of the last coin below that’s coloured and available in a silver proof set with six other coins that make up the Canadian currency.

2015 WELCOME TO THE WORLD

Clearly one for the gift market and w’eve been told that this kind of thing is very popular with the newborn crowd. A clever  incused twist on a classic design has worked well.  $59.95 CND

DESCRIPTION: Hold on to today’s quiet moments; bask in his softness, delight in her newness. Though time draws us swiftly on, once engraved in your heart and mind, these inexpressible moments are yours to keep forever. Welcome, new one. May you find in this world a life as special and precious as you are.

DESIGN: The reverse image presents a pair of baby feet struck incuse in the coin to replicate the traditional cast of baby’s feet.

PURE GOLD MAPLE LEAF

It’s another Maple Leaf, a motif that we feel the RCM overuses, despite some really excellent designs over the years. With it being the 50th anniversary of the Canadian National Flag, we do hope there’s some restraint this year. At $130 for a 1/25oz of gold, it struggles on the value front as well, although certainly no worse than any number of tiny gold coins like the ever more popular o.5g ones. $129.95 CND

DESCRIPTION: To Canadians at home and abroad, the red maple leaf unites us and instils a sense of belonging regardless of our different cultures, languages and beliefs. The Royal Canadian Mint celebrates the National Flag of Canada’s 50th anniversary with a gold coin that pays tribute to our national symbol: the maple leaf.

DESIGN: The reverse design by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc draws its inspiration from Canada’s national flag, which is seen in the background as it flutters in the wind. From its centre emerges a sugar maple leaf, which served as the original inspiration for the flag’s stylized centrepiece.

Finely detailed engraving recreates the leaf’s five veined lobes and creates a natural, life-like appearance, which is further enhanced by the use of multiple finishing techniques. Engraved on the reverse is the word “CANADA,” the face value “50 CENTS” and the year “2015.” The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANADIAN FLAG

It’s the Silver Dollar and it’s the National Flag. Apparently, the former is older than the latter. The coin is available in two different finishes, a 20,000 mintage proof and a 15,000 mintage brilliant uncirculated, the former at $59.95 and the latter $5 less.

DESCRIPTION: No other symbol is as synonymous with Canada as its distinctive red-and-white flag. To Canadians at home and abroad, the red maple leaf unites us and instills a sense of belonging regardless of our different cultures, languages and beliefs. As the National Flag of Canada celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint proudly pays tribute to a beloved national symbol by showcasing the flag on the annual Proof Silver Dollar.

DESIGN: The reverse design by Canadian artist John Mantha brings together symbolic elements that reflect how the Canadian flag is perceived both at home and abroad. Occupying much of the image’s field, the famous red flag – its white centre square bearing the stylized red maple leaf – billows softly in the wind at full-mast atop a flagpole. Beneath it, a backpacker stands turned to the right and gazes at the horizon beyond a landscape that is a cross-section of Canada.

This traveller’s journey highlights the freedom and opportunities offered by Canada to explore a nd grow, whether at home or abroad. And while the addition of a small Canadian flag on the backpack is a common practice for Canadian travellers, it also speaks to the respect and recognition this national symbol receives throughout the world. The flag’s 50th anniversary is highlighted with a symbolic ring of 50 maple leafs.