2015 Canada $20 Lost Ships: Franklin's Expedition 1 oz Pure Silver Coin

Open the maroon clamshell

You get a 1 oz. coin in 99.99% pure silver, sealed in the Royal Canadian Mint's maroon clamshell case with its colourful outer beauty box and serialized Certificate of Authenticity. The coin feels substantial in hand, with a clean edge and a proof-like surface that lets the colour and engraving do the talking.

See Erebus in the ice

On the reverse, John Horton's coloured scene puts H.M.S. Erebus at the centre, cutting through Arctic water while H.M.S. Terror follows behind. The ice has sharp white edges, the sea reads dark and cold, and the plain edge carries the ship names in fine engraved lettering. You notice the detail fast. Then the history settles in.

Keep the Queen side up

The obverse carries Susanna Blunt's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, calm and precise against the silver field. This is the second release in the Lost Ships in Canadian Waters series, made for you if you collect Royal Canadian Mint silver coins and want a piece that ties marine art, Canadian history, and numismatic craft into one small, exact object.