February 16, 2018, ushers in the Year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac. The Dog is the 11th sign of the 12-year cycle, in which particular birth years supposedly correspond to various personality traits. Dog people are generally assumed to be cheerful, honest, and loyal—not unlike Man’s best friend. Dogs are also considered to be idealistic and altruistic, but on the negative side, are suggested to be stubborn and to struggle to communicate their feelings verbally. The Royal Canadian Mint has issued three coins to welcome the Year of the Dog—a half-ounce silver $10 Specimen; an 18-karat, $150 gold Proof; and a silver Lunar series $15 Proof. It is no coincidence that there are three coins offered from the Royal Canadian Mint for the Year of the Dog, as three is considered a lucky number for those born under the 11th sign.
The reverse of the Specimen coin, designed by Canadian artist Simon Ng, depicts a lively, stylized dog with the heart of a rose standing atop a wooden lattice (which also encloses a rose). The rose is one of the luckiest flowers associated with Dog people. Oncidium and cymbidium orchids adorn the dog as well—additional powerful charms. Across the upper perimeter of the field, the inscription reads 2018 · CANADA · 10 DOLLARS. Toward the right-hand side of the coin is the Chinese character for “dog.” Above the latticework on the right-hand side are the artist’s initials, SN.
The reverse of the gold coin depicts a less heavily stylized (but still whimsical) dog romping toward the right, with its Chinese symbol below. The design, by Aries Cheung, includes a small, lucky rainbow ending in a swirling cloud to the left of the dog. The legend above the design reads CANADA 2018, while the denomination, 150 DOLLARS, is placed below. The designer’s initials, AC, appear to the left of the dog’s hindmost leg.
The reverse of the silver Lunar Lotus coin emphasizes the noble and protective nature of Man’s best friend with the ancient Chinese Shar Pei breed. Being part of the popular Lunar series of coins, the coin’s overall shape is the most eye-catching of the three. The design is crafted by Three Degrees Creative Group, with elegant magnolia blossoms encircling our faithful companion. The Chinese character for “Dog” can be seen below the dog’s muzzle, along with the letters CRR.
The obverse of all three coins display an effigy of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II as depicted by Susanna Blunt. On the left-hand side of the Specimen and gold coins, the inscription reads ELIZABETH II. The right-hand side of the Specimen and gold coins possess inscriptions that read D · G · REGINA. For the Lotus coin, the inscription reads clockwise from the top: CANADA, ELIZABETH II, 2018, 15 DOLLARS.
Denom. | Metal | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Maximum Mintage |
$10 | .9999 silver | 15.87 g | 34 mm | Specimen | 15,888 |
$150 | .750 gold | 11.84 g | 28 mm | Proof | 1,500 |
$15 | .9999 silver | 26.7 g | 38 mm | Proof | 18,888 |
The Royal Canadian Mint’s selection of three distinctive dog coins makes an excellent gift for anyone born under this sign—believer in Chinese astrology or not. Dog years include 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and, of course, 2018.
The silver coin is presented in a Royal Canadian Mint–branded maroon clamshell protected by a black sleeve. Maroon is an inspired choice because red is considered a lucky color for Dogs as well. The 18-karat gold coin is presented in a satin-like gold box protected by a red sleeve. The Lunar series coin is encapsulated in a silver satin case, complete with a custom red sleeve. Each coin comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
For more information on this coin and others on offer, please visit the website of the Royal Canadian Mint.
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Ernesto says
I bought the $10 silver coin. It’s a very nice looking coin. I would probably have bought the gold coin too if I could afford it lol
Dennis Tucker says
The $10 silver coin is charming. I predict it will be very popular!