Get this first ever concave shaped coin from Canada! This innovative gem provides an immersive, 360-degree viewing experience with antique finish, lavishly highlighting the Library of Parliament in pure silver with a very low mintage limit! An unusual shape creates unparalleled beauty! The coins state-of-the-art concave shape (an incredible first for the Royal Canadian Mint) provides the perfect canvas for recreating the Library of Parliaments breathtaking domed ceiling, just as if you were standing in the room itself. Built in the Gothic Revival style of the 19th century, the Library of Parliament is one of Canadas shining architectural jewels and has been described as our most beautiful room. Inside the circular building, ornate woodwork and a breathtaking dome speak of its artistic merit, its cultural importance, and its historic heritage as the only remaining link to the first Centre Block of Parliament, which was destroyed by fire in 1916. This innovative coin provides an. Immersive, 360-degree viewing experience. And features ultra high relief engraving and an antique finish. The exceptionally detailed design enhanced with this antique finish gives each coin its unique aspect, making a numismatic masterpiece. A Startling and Artistic Design. The design boasts an astonishing level of dimension, perspective and depth perception through the use of the coins concave shape, which lends itself beautifully to recreating the Library of Parliaments lavish interior and domed ceiling. A unique viewing perspective from the base of the marble statue of Queen Victoria immerses the viewer in the artwork, conveying the reading rooms soaring height and spaciousness while creating the impression that they are on-site, looking upward at the ceiling. The intricately carved pine bookshelves that encircle the reading room are replicated on the reverse along the rim, further contributing to the 360-degree viewing experience. Finally, the application of a timeless antique finish to the ultra high relief engraving showcases the meticulous precision and masterful artistry that makes this coin a numismatic masterpiece. Beneath the statue, a banner features the engraved commemorative dates 1876 – 2016 of the opening of the library. 2016 also marks the 100th year of when the library survived the 1916 fire at the Parliament. Completed in 1876, this magnificent structure benefited from the vision of its first librarian, Alpheus Todd, who stressed the importance of a spacious feeling. Todd also suggested the Library be separate from Centre Block yet linked by a corridor, and insisted upon fireproof iron doors. Both decisions proved to be pivotal on the fateful evening of February 3, 1916, when a small fire in House of Commons Reading Room suddenly became a fast-moving blaze. Fortunately, a quick-thinking clerk named Michael MacCormac smelled the smoke and ordered the iron doors shut in time to save the Library. His actions, along with those of the first responders who battled the blaze, saved thousands of irreplaceable books and priceless carvings. Technology Note – Purity. The Royal Canadian Mint refines the purest silver in the world. The RCM is also the only mint in the world to issue commemorative coins in a. This nearly one troy ounce silver coin is 99.99% pure! The dual dates 1876 2016 are also indicated. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. In profile facing right. This portrait, the fourth effigy of the queen to appear on Canadian coinage, was executed by the artist Susanna Blunt. The legend ELIZABETH II D. REGINA (“Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God”) also appears. The denomination is also indicated. The coin is encapsulated inside a burgundy leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and protected by a black outer box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included. Proof with Antique Finish. 9999 Fine (Pure) Silver. Royal Canadian Mint engravers. The item “Canada 2016 Library of Parliament $25 Silver Proof Concave Coin Antique Finish” is in sale since Wednesday, February 03, 2016. This item is in the category “Coins & Paper Money\Coins\ Canada\Commemorative”. The seller is “talismancoins” and is located in Saint Louis, Missouri. This item can be shipped worldwide.