Celebrate the 150th anniversary of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada with a realistic re-imagining of its sesquicentennial logo, topped with a meteorite fragment that is a tribute to the contributions of its members. DESIGN The reverse design by Alexandra Lefort is a re-interpretation of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canadas sesquicentennial logo in a scientifically accurate, photorealism art style. The original logo features stars that allude to Canadian contributions to stellar spectroscopy and photometry, and a globular cluster that honours the scientific work of Helen Sawyer Hogg and Canadas cooperative partnerships; both are colourfully re-imagined here as the Eagle Nebulaspecifically the pillars of interstellar gas and dust known as the Pillars of Creation, where the formation of new stars is a symbolic representation of the RASCs beginnings (and by extension, its anniversary). A fixture in RASC public outreach efforts, the Moon was chosen to represent the lunar calendars of the First Nations peoples, and the navigational astronomy that guided many European discoverers during Canadas early history. Beneath it, the Andromeda galaxy the nearest major galaxy to our own is a symbolic ode to Canadian contributions to cosmology. Blazing as it burns through Earths upper atmosphere, the depiction of a meteor is topped by a genuine iron meteorite fragment sourced from the Campo del Cielo meteorite fields, where the impact craters date back an estimated 4,500 years. Both the meteorite and the view of the Manicouagan crater in Quebec are a nod to the RASCs longstanding interest in the study of planet geology, meteor dynamics and impact cratering, and to the excellence of Canadian research in these fields. Always fascinating, the space-weather phenomenon of the aurora borealis adds a True North flourish that a design that encapsulates 150 years of exploring the cosmos. The reverse also includes the word CANADA, the double commemorative dates 1868 2018, and the face value 20 DOLLARS. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. SPECIAL FEATURES – Your very own meteorite. The reverse includes a guaranteed authentic meteorite fragment! Sourced from the Campo del Cielo meteorite field, the fragment likely made impact some 4,500 years ago, but it was originally part of an iron mass that is likely billions of years old. Its an opportunity to own an extra-terrestrial piece of our solar system one that is potentially as old as Earth itself! – Celebrating Canadas scientific spirit. A special 150th anniversary celebration of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada! Through the contributions of its 5,000 members, Canadas leading association of amateur and professional astronomers remains dedicated to the advancement of astronomy and related sciences. A Royal Canadian Mint FIRST. An exceptionally unique space scene that is rarely seen on RCM coins. Enhanced by engraved textural details, the full colour image is a realistic take on the RASCs symbolic logo for its sesquicentennial year. Each coin is unique. Since no two pieces of meteorite are alike, no two coins are alike either! – A limited collectible with high visual appeal. The stunning design is sure to resonate with all who share a passion for astronomy! The item “2018′Royal Astronomical Society of Canada-150th Ann.’$20 Fine Silver Coin18540″ is in sale since Friday, September 7, 2018. This item is in the category “Coins & Paper Money\Coins\ Canada\Commemorative”. The seller is “gatewestcoins” and is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This item can be shipped to Canada, United States.
- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Canada