- Country:Canada
- Collection:Silver Commemorative $20
- Metal:Silver
- Year:2016
- Denomination:$20
- Finish:Complete
- Weight (oz):1.009
- Purity:0.9999
- Mintage:5536
- Product type:Coin
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 aone-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 withglow-in-the-dark glass that makes each coin truly unique!
ADDED LUMINESCENCEwithin 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.
About the Design:
The engraved reverse by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel re-creates the dome of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory located at SaintMary'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 Lo c 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.
