More than 500 years after Italian explorer John Cabot first reached these shores, Canada is home to one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world, with over 1.5 million Canadians claiming Italian ancestry. This 99.99% pure silver coin features a circular arrangement of elements that form a symbolic representation of the Italian-Canadian community. Framed by repeating emblems representing two cultures coming together, the five-pointed Stella d’Italia is adorned with simulated Italian red coral and positioned at the centre, similar to how it appears in the emblem of the Italian Republic. The emblem also inspired the Renaissance-style pattern appearing on both the reverse and obverse, where olive branches represent peace and abundance, and oak leaves symbolize strength. June is Italian Heritage Month in Canada! It is an opportunity to honour the culture and history of Italian Canadians, and the contributions they have made to Canada and Canadian society. Italian red coral has been harvested and used for ornamentation since ancient times, and it continues to be an important industry in coastal regions of Italy-especially in Torre del Greco, a port town renowned for its coral workshops and artisans. As a sought-after jewellery material, red coral is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, and it is often used to craft amulets, such as the horn-shaped cornicello that protects against the evil eye. Some also believe it to have healing and high-energy qualities. Each hexagonal honeycomb cell serves as both a storehouse and a nest for larvae, and it isn’t just the honey bee that builds nests with hexagonal cells-wasps do it, too. The shape, which has inspired architects and engineers, provides several advantages, such as excellent strength-to-weight ratio, thermal insulation, space efficiency and structural stability, while minimizing the amount of building material (beeswax) required. The reverse design by Canadian artist Tony Bianco combines design elements drawn from Italian heritage to form a symbolic representation of the Italian-Canadian community. It centres on the five-pointed symbol of Italy, the Stella d’Italia, which is topped with simulated Italian red coral. Between the Roman columns emanating from the star points, a Renaissance-style pattern includes two elements inspired by the emblem of the Italian Republic: the oak leaf that symbolizes. And the olive branch representing peace and. The five columns support a row of arches that form the outer edge; inspired by the Roman Colosseum, these arches frame the repeating Stella d’Italia and the Canadian maple leaf that represent two cultures coming together. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. Packaging: The coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box. Citadel Coins Halifax, Nova Scotia Official Royal Canadian Mint Distributor.