Canada 50 Cents Silver Coin 2005 Golden Rose
Obverse: Features the Effigy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II by the artist. Susanna Blunt.
Lettering: CANADA 50 CENTS ELIZABETH II.
Engraver: Susanna Blunt.
Reverse: Gold-plated Hugo Rose in bloom.
Lettering: 2005 CP.
Engraver: Christie Paquet.
Edge: Milled.
Mintage: 17418.
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper.
Finish: proof.
Weight: 9.3 g.
Diameter: 27.1 mm.
Edge: serrated.
Face value: 50 cents.
SPECIAL FEATURE:
- Selective gold plating.
- Minted with the same artistic flair and technical precision as the 2004 Easter Lily, 2003 Golden Daffodil and 2002 Golden Tulip.
When the first pioneers began arriving in Canada almost 300 years ago, many were eager to bring the botanical treasures from their homeland with them. The first roses to arrive in Canada were from France, but they were ill equipped to endure the extreme climatic conditions of North America. It wasn't until the last century that hardier varieties began to tempt their fate against the Canadian winter. One of the most notable is R. Hugonis, or Father Hugo's rose, named after Father Hugh Scallon, the missionary who discovered this beautiful yellow rose in China and sent it to England in 1899. It wasn't long before the tough disposition of this hardy rose was discovered, and the Golden Rose of China was brought to Canada. Every spring, despite the ravages of winter, this 2.5 m (8 ft) tall shrub will produce a bounty of delicate blooms. Their perfect yellow is a sight to behold; this vigorous beauty is a gardener's dream.
Golden Flowers