The Queen's gate: Formal Entrance to Parliament Hill

As the ceremonial entrance for the Canadian sovereign or her representative, the Queen’s Gate on Parliament Hill forms a beautiful boundary between the City of Ottawa and the political heart of a nation. This 2 oz. fine silver coin captures the Victorian-era beauty of the commanding gateway on the reverse, where a metal-cast feature adds to a magnificent view that stirs Canadian pride.

Combining high visual appeal with national historical significance, the reverse features a filigree gate that captures the likeness of the Queen’s Gate on Parliament Hill. This multi-dimensional design element is fashioned from black bronze and mimics the wrought-iron vines and floral flourishes that represent the height of Victorian craftsmanship and metalwork. Affixed to the coin’s rim using a tongue-and-groove approach, the imposing entry re-creates the intended viewing experience if one was standing before the actual gate: the centre railing is perfectly aligned with the central axis of the parliamentary grounds, and forms a straight line from the gate, past the Centennial Flame, to the Peace Tower that dominates the Centre Block building. The green lawn, blue sky and burning Flame add colourful vibrancy to the engraved reverse, which was designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin and coloured by Patrick Belanger, while the Peace Tower’s spire and flagstaff add a sense of soaring height by rising up beyond the image’s edge. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

GATEWAYS OF CANADA - THE QUEEN'S GATE: FORMAL ENTRANCE TO PARLIAMENT HILL - 2018 CANADIAN COINS 03 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 13- CANADIAN HISTORY and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.