2016 Canadian $20 The Universe: Glass with Opal - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin (Glow-in-the-Dark)

2016 Canadian $20 The Universe: Glass with Opal - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin (Glow-in-the-Dark)

Face Value: $20
Mintage: 8,500
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Finish: Proof

Spotting a supernova is incredibly rare, and in 1995, the observatory at Saint Mary's University in Halifax earned itself an enviable distinction when two Canadian astronomers discovered a supernova in a galaxy 70 million light years away! This breathtaking coin captures the magic of the event with a borosilicate glass insert. The globule is so refined, it's like gazing through a telescope, with a one-of-a-kind view that can only be created with handcrafted artistry.

Second coin in the star gazing series, an ideal gift for someone who loves the stars! Order yours today!

Special features:
WORLD'S FIRST! Opal surrounded by colourful sparkling wisps and glow-in-the-dark luminescence! Your coin includes a handcrafted borosilicate glass insert and embedded in the glass is a small piece of an opal.
EACH GLASS PIECE IS A UNIQUE PIECE OF ART! An unforgettable combination of detailed engraving and vibrant colour, with a handcrafted borosilicate glass insert combined with glow-in-the-dark glass that makes each coin truly unique!
ADDED LUMINESCENCE within the glass captures the lights and colours associated with a supernova—a stunning effect that also adds a shine to the reverse's star-filled sky.
An outstanding keepsake for stargazers, astronomers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who has ever marvelled at the beautiful mysteries of the universe.
A celebration of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory's distinction as one in a select group of observatories to have discovered a supernova, which is a source of pride for the passionate stargazers of Atlantic Canada.
Your coin is GST/HST exempt and has a limited mintage worldwide.

Design:
The engraved reverse by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel re-creates the dome of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory located at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where a student looks through the observatory's telescope. Against the softly coloured glow of a clear, star-filled night sky, a unique glass insert captures the otherworldly beauty of a supernova crafted by borosilicate artist Loïc Beaumont-Tremblay. The crystal-clear globule of boro glass contains an opal that represents the dying star, which is meticulously positioned over a darkly coloured background and surrounded by wisps of swirled glass and glow-in-the-dark colours. There is a remarkably luminous quality to the insert that conveys this stellar explosion of light and energy, which could easily outshine the glow of its own galaxy—even if only temporarily.

Packaging:
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a black beauty box.