2015 $10 Colorful Songbirds of Canada: The Magnolia Warbler 1/2 oz. 99.99% Pure Silver Color Proof Coin
Second coin in the Colorful Songbirds of Canada series!
Specifications
Composition - 99.99% pure silver
Finish - color proof
Weight (g) - 15.87 (1/2 troy oz.)
Diameter (mm) - 34
Edge - serrated
Certificate - serialized (serial numbers will vary)
Face value - 10 dollars (a legal tender Canadian coin)
Artists - Hélène Girard (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
Description
Despite its small size, the magnolia warbler (Setophaga magnolia) is easy to spot thanks to its bold black-and-yellow coloring. This little songbird sings almost constantly, filling the summer air with a series of clear, sweet whistles as it flits along the lower branches of the surrounding trees. Unless protecting its young, the warbler hardly seems shy; it is often seen spreading and flicking its tail feathers in a proud display of its colors, which have been beautifully recreated on this stunning coin!
During the breeding months, this delightful songbird can be found in coniferous forests across Canada, from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia. Its energy, colors and song make the Magnolia Warbler a welcome summer resident whose presence only adds to the natural beauty of Canada's wilderness.
Special features:
• Second coin in the 5-coin Colourful Songbirds of Canada series, which captures the beauty of some of Canada's most distinctive bird species.
• This coin celebrates the magnolia warbler, a unique small songbird that makes its summer home in the forests across much of Canada.
• This 99.99% pure silver coin is selectively colored, adding vibrancy to the engraved warbler which recreates its natural coloring in the wild.
• A thoughtful gift for bird-watchers, art appreciators and anyone who admires the timeless beauty of the wildlife.
• For our Canadian customers, this coin is GST/HST exempt.
Design:
Designed by Canadian artist Hélène Girard, this coin offers a side-profile image of the magnolia warbler. The warbler's distinctive coloring is faithfully recreated through the use of selective color, which beautifully showcases the bird's black-streaked yellow underparts with its white-banded black tail and wing. Its sharp, black beak is open as the songbird releases a series of clear whistles from its perch in a plum tree, which fills the background on the left side of the design.
Did you know…
• This songbird's name traces back to 1810 when famous ornithologist Alexander Wilson collected a specimen from a magnolia tree - hence the "magnolia" in its Latin species name. Over time, "magnolia" became more commonly used than the bird's original English name, the black-and-yellow warbler; and yet, this species has rarely been seen in a magnolia tree since!
• Depending on the situation, the male magnolia warbler has two distinct songs; one for courtship and nesting, and a less accented one that may be used when defending its territory.
• Females have similar coloring, although the predominance of grey instead of black mutes the contrast seen in males. During the breeding season in late spring, males can get competitive and won't shy away from flaunting their unique coloring to impress a prospective mate!
Packaging:
Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell protected by a black beauty box.
Shipping & Handling
Fast, free shipping & handling via USPS First Class Mail to all U.S. addresses. USPS Priority Mail & Priority Mail Express are also available for an additional charge.
