Description
Theme:
Sumacs by J.E.H. MacDonald
Description:
This $20 silver coin is 99.99% fine silver with a weight of 31.39 grams and a diameter of 38 millimetres. The reverse features an engraved adaptation of J.E.H. Macdonald’s famous work, Sumacs—actually one of four decorative panels representing the four seasons that Macdonald was commissioned to paint for art patron James MacCallum. Characteristic of the graphic, curvaceous figures Macdonald used for the entire series, the flat imagery in Sumacs was common for decorative art in this period. This detail illustrates the robust texture of the original work, which used intense pigmentation to evoke the ruddy autumnal haze of sumacs in the fall. The image is framed with a polished band featuring the words “CANADA” and “J.E.H. MACDONALD,” the date “2013,” and the face value of “20 DOLLARS.” The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Special Features:
- Sixth coin in a 7-coin series of coins featuring Canadian Art by the Group of Seven. The first four coins sold out quickly. One more coin will be launched in 2013.
- Every brush stroke is recreated in a beautiful proof finish (frosted raised elements on mirror background). A true testament to the exceptional RCM craftsmanship.
- Struck in 1 ounce of 99.99% pure silver.
- Also available in this series are Toronto Street, Winter Morning by Lawren S. Harris, Stormy Weather by F.H. Varley, Fishing Village by Arthur Lismer, Houses, and Cobalt by Franklin Carmichael and The Guardian of the Gorge by Franz Johnston. The remaining coin to complete the Group of Seven series is Saint-Tite-des-Caps by A.Y. Jackson.
Product Specifications:
Face Value: 20 dollars
Mintage: 7,000 (Shared mintage with subscription)
Composition: 99.99% fine silver
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Proof
Certificate: Serialized
Artist: RCM engravers reproduced the painting Sumacs by J.E.H. MacDonald
Packaging:
Coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.
Finished Size: 67 mm x 67 mm
Advertising Date: June 4, 2013
Launch Date: June 11, 2013
Reference Image: Original Artwork
Photo © National Gallery of Canada
Complete Certificate Text:
The Artist: J.E.H. MacDonald
James Edward Hervey Macdonald emigrated from Durham, England to Hamilton, Ontario, in 1887 at the age of 14. The son of a Canadian cabinetmaker and an English mother, Macdonald studied art in both Hamilton and Toronto, and began his artistic career in commercial design at Grip Printing and Publishing in 1895. In 1903 he moved to London to work for the famous Carlton Studio established by Canadian ex-patriots, returning to work at Grip in November 1907.
