2018 $100 FINE SILVER COIN
KEEPERS OF PARLIAMENT: THE UNICORN

1st coin of the series Keepers of Parliament.

They are the stone sentinels of Parliament Hill, the chiselled protectors of Canada’s symbol of democracy — they are the Keepers of Parliament, and the focus of a new series of 10 oz. silver coins. Beginning with a heraldic-inspired unicorn, each selectively plated reverse showcases one of four elaborate stone-carved figures that have quietly welcomed visitors and dignitaries for more than 80 years.

The reverse image by Canadian artist Patrick Bélanger stands before the ceremonial entrance on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ont., where the unicorn supporter of the Arms of Canada is carved into the sandstone that lines the east side of the arched entry. On the reverse, this mythical creature rises up in a way that conveys the towering height (1.8 m) of its real-life counterpart. It supports the Shield of the Arms of Canada and carries the Royal flag of France. Gold plating selectively highlights the chained coronet of crosses and fleurs-de-lis around the unicorn’s neck, and the three fleurs-de-lis on the banner. The positioning of the sculpted figure is slightly adjusted to allow the inclusion of an ornamental flourish, whose floral motif is based on a frieze that also adorns the Centre Block’s grand entrance . The reverse includes the face value, “100 DOLLARS”, and the words “CANADA 2018”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

KEEPERS OF PARLIAMENT - THE UNICORN - 2018 CANADIAN COINS 01 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 15- ART & CULTURE and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.