For over 500 years, prestigious European mints have crafted exclusive double thickness “piedfort” coins for nobility, dignitaries, and discerning VIP collectors. This 2016 $25 pure silver coin carries on that esteemed tradition with its distinctively thick format, showcasing a detailed image of the Coat of Arms of Canada.
Limited Mintage: Only 6,000 of these exquisite coins have been produced, making them a valuable addition for collectors and investors alike.
The Design:
The term “piedfort”, meaning “strong foot” in French, historically referred to a “heavy measure” in minting, signifying that this coin is thicker than the average.
The Coat of Arms of Canada is rich in symbolism, reflecting the nation’s history and its values. At the bottom, a scroll displays Canada’s motto, “A MARI USQUE AD MARE” (from sea to sea), adorned with floral emblems—the English rose, Scottish thistle, Irish shamrock, and French lily. The shield features three royal lions representing England, the lion of Scotland, the royal harp of Tara from Ireland, and a royal fleur-de-lis from France in the upper quadrants. In the lower quadrants, a sprig of three maple leaves symbolizes Canadians of all backgrounds. Flanking the shield is a lion holding a lance with the Union Jack on the left and a unicorn (the royal symbol of Scotland) carrying the royal flag of France on the right. Behind the shield, a ribbon proclaims “DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM” (they desire a better country). Above the shield, a royal helmet is draped with maple leaves. The crest features a crowned lion clutching a maple leaf, set atop the imperial crown, symbolizing the monarch as Canada’s Head of State.
The reverse side includes the date “2016”, the inscription “CANADA”, and the denomination “25 Dollars”. The obverse displays the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, beautifully rendered by Susanna Blunt.