Composition : 92,5% silver, 7,5% copper
Mintage : 20,462

Artistry in flight

Their bright and colourful wing paternsare a marvel. Every summer, people around the world are witness to a fluttering art show as these natural works of the art take flight. Antactica is the only continent without butterflies.

Of the 24 000species of butterflies in the world, Canada is home to 297 of them, including the Canadian Tiger Swallowtails

(Papilio canadensis). There are 14 different species of Swallotails in Canada. The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is a hardy beauty that can be found in all provinces, territories and as far north as the Artic Circle.

The tiger-like markings of the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail are its most distinctive feature. Its forewing has wide black band with orange spots runs along the outer edge of its hindwing.

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The name «Canadian Tiger Swallowtail » is fairly new as this species was separated from Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) fairly recently in 1991. As a result, it may not be listed in older field guides.

This coin is the third issue of the Canadian butterfly collection.
The first coin of the series, released in 2004, depicts the Canadian tiger swallowtail butterfly.
The second coin of the series, released in 2004, depicts the Canadian clouded sulphur butterfly.
The third coin of the series, released in 2005, depicts the Monarch.
The fourth coin of the series, released in 2005, depicts the Spangled fritillary butterfly.
The fifth coin of the series, released in 2006, depicts the Short-tailed swallowtail butterfly.
The sixth coin of the series, released in 2006, depicts the Silvery blue butterfly.

BUTTERFLIES OF CANADA - MONARCH - 2005 CANADIAN COINS 03 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 10- FLORA, FAUNA & NATURE and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.