Gorgeous reverse proof finish and design. It is in perfect condition and is minted to the standard of 99.99% purity!! It is also minted using a reverse proof finish (meaning that the background is satin finish and the elements are in a brilliant finish). Your coin will be sent to you in a 2 x 2 cardboard holder (if you need it in the original capsule, ask me and it may be possible). No certificate is included. The reverse features the Silver Maple Leaf bullion coin design, rendered using engineered surface mirror (‘pulsating’) technology developed in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Photonics at the University of Ottawa. This coin is doubled dated (’1996 2021′) in honour of the 25th anniversary of the proclamation designating the maple tree Acer spp. As the national arboreal emblem of Canada. The reverse and obverse field pattern reproduces an expanded, non-pulsating version of the pulsating pattern on the maple leaf. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. When the Silver Maple Leaf (SML) debuted in 1988, it made history as the world’s first 99.99% pure silver bullion coin, and today, the SML continues to be one of the most sought-after silver bullion coins. It bears the same “maple leaf” reverse design as Canada’s iconic Gold Maple Leaf (GML) bullion coin, which first introduced the highly recognizable image created by then-Master Engraver Walter Ott. More did you know. This pulsating technology was made possible by a close collaboration between the Royal Canadian Mint Research and Development Team and the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Research in Photonics. Sub-millimetre-scale mirrors were precisely engineered to exact dimensions and orientations that would allow the individual facets to manipulate photons (light particles) and bring a sense of motion to the engraved-only design. The mirror array was then engraved on the master dies and struck onto 99.99% pure silver blanks. Fittingly, our proudly diverse country isn’t represented by a single maple species. The proclamation issued on April 25, 1996 broadly defined Canada’s official tree as the genus Acer-a generic maple that represents all of the 10 different maple species that are native to Canada. Why was the maple chosen as Canada’s national tree? The maple leaf has a place of honour on our coat of arms and flag, but the adoption of a national arboreal emblem in 1996 formally recognized the maple tree’s role in the social and economic development of Canada, from early First Nations to modern-day industries. PHOTOS: Note that the photos I post in my listings are stock photo images. However, for items like this one where the products are brand new from the mint and are identical the photo posted in the listing is a STOCK photo meaning that the photos represent the item you will be getting. Normally there is almost no difference between the photo you see in the listing and the actual product you are sent. Certificate numbers (if shown in a photo) are an example of something that will not be the same in the item you receive. Member of Royal Canadian Numismatic Association. Be sure to add me to your. GST or HST EXEMPT item. Usually MUCH cheaper for multiples of this item or similar weight/size.. your item is being sent by a cheaper and slower but fully trackable method (3-4 weeks typically). I have no control over how long the postal systems take to get it to you.