The Royal Canadian Mint is no stranger to crafting breathtaking collectibles, but its latest release takes opulence to a whole new level. The new Dancing Ammolite: Elements of Nature coin isn’t just currency — it’s a jewel-studded tribute to Canadian natural beauty, wrapped in precious metals and brimming with detail.
This isn’t the Mint’s first foray into luxurious design. In 2023, a standout $500 coin stunned collectors with its cushion-cut brilliance — a pure gold masterpiece featuring a 0.23-carat De Beers diamond and a price tag nearing $20,000. That coin celebrated elite craftsmanship with a nod to classic diamond cuts.
Now, in 2024, the Mint shifts focus to a more accessible, but no less captivating piece: a $20 non-circulating collectible coin, priced at $819.95, and infused with uniquely Canadian character.
Table of Contents
A Tribute to Nature: The Dancing Ammolite Series
Symbolism, Craftsmanship, and Rare Canadian Gemstones
The Dancing Ammolite: Elements of Nature coin is part of a celebrated series that spotlights Canada’s rare and radiant gemstones, each piece telling a story of the elemental forces that shaped the land.
Illustrator Mariya Olshevska brings this particular vision to life with a design that dances between elegance and symbolism. The coin’s reverse features an intricate floral motif cast in 99.9% pure silver, accented with yellow gold plating to elevate its dimensionality and richness.
At the heart of the coin lies the star of the show — a luminous ammolite gemstone, set in a raised jewelry-style mount that gives the coin a 3D effect. The use of ammolite, a gem formed from the fossilized shells of ancient sea creatures, deepens the coin’s ties to the Earth’s history.
Alberta’s Ancient Treasure: The Story of Ammolite
What makes this coin especially rare is the gemstone it showcases. Ammolite, often referred to as “nature’s gemstone,” is found only in Alberta, specifically within the Bearpaw Geological Formation. These vibrant, iridescent stones come from the ancient remains of marine creatures called ammonites, and their commercial mining is unique to this Canadian province.
This exclusivity not only adds geological significance but also boosts the coin’s allure among collectors who value origin and authenticity.
Honoring Royalty and Spring’s Renewal
A Subtle Obverse with Regal Charm
On the obverse side, the coin continues its narrative with a refined and thematic design. A gold-plated effigy of King Charles III offers a stately presence, while a delicate spring blossom design surrounds a second, standard-grade ammolite gem — creating a poetic balance between royalty and nature.
Limited Edition Luxury: Only 950 Coins Available
Collectors eager to claim this treasure should act quickly. With only 950 coins minted, the Dancing Ammolite: Elements of Nature coin is set to become a highly sought-after limited edition.
It comes housed in a sleek black clamshell presentation box, ideal for display or gifting. Shipments are scheduled to begin April 30, making this a timely and exciting acquisition for numismatists and gemstone enthusiasts alike.