Two Canadian coins were recently awarded at the Coin of the Year Awards. According to the Royal Canadian Mint, the 2021 $20 Fine Silver Coin - Black and Gold: The Grey Wolf was named "Best Crown", while the Mint's first coloured 10-cent circulation coin issued in 2021 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bluenose was crowned "Best Circulation" coin.

Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint said that the two wins show that Canada's coins are indeed best-in-class, and admired by collectors around the world.

"The Mint is passionate about finding new ways to showcase Canada on coins that represent the highest levels of craftsmanship, design and innovation."

The 2021 $20 Fine Silver Coin was designed by artist Claude Thivierge and it captures the feared and admired personality of a top Canadian predator in a yin and yang portrayal.

"Though human encroachment has reduced its habitat, the majestic grey wolf still thrives in hierarchical packs of six or eight animals in less settled parts of Canada, from Labrador to British Columbia, as well as Yukon and the Northwest Territories."

However, this coin is not in circulation and since only about 4,500 of them are available world-wide, making it a 'low-mintage' they can be ordered through The Royal Canadian mint and cost approximately $130. 

The other coin was designed with the help of a Nova Scotia marine artist Yves Bérubé, showcasing Bluenose's 100th anniversary, which occured in 2021

"A peerless maritime icon built in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Bluenose was a hard-working fishing schooner whose racing proficiency in the International Fishermen's Race was unrivalled for nearly two decades. It remains, to this day, a testament to the ingenuity, craftsmanship and exceptional skill of the Canadians who designed, built and crewed it."

While this coin can also be purchased through The Royal Canadian mint, it is in circulation. 

The annual Coin of the Year competition receives nominations from an international consortium of mint representatives and numismatists. The judging is conducted by an international panel of the world's leading mint officials, medalists, journalists, and central bank and museum officials. The winners were selected from among 100 finalists spanning ten categories.

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