2013 $5 Proof Niobium and Silver Coin Contemporary Aboriginal Art - Mother and Baby Ice Fishing

This 2013 $5 denomination coin is the first in a new series of niobium coins featuring contemporary aboriginal art. The Royal Canadian Mint has combined modern minting technology with a beautiful image from an ancient Indigenous culture to create a modern work of art. The centre core of the coin is struck in pure niobium which has been naturally oxidized to refract light and create a rich rose magenta colour. The niobium core is then encircled by a ring of bright proof finish pure silver to create a brilliant frame and a striking contrast to the coloured centre. The mintage of this coin is just 6,500, and is predicted to be as popular as the first series of niobium coins in 2011/2012 which sold out quickly and have appreciated in the secondary market.

This coin design portrays the unique bond between mother and child, with a joyous mother celebrating her latest catch with her baby in her amautik. It captures a lighthearted spirit and humour which has traversed time from the ancient culture to modern art. Distance and proportion melt away on the great expanse of Arctic ice-and the Inuit woman would disappear into the landscape if it were not for the brownish-grey earth tones of her animal hide parka. Even then, it would take a trained eye to spot the dot of contrast against the frigid white that defines the Arctic for most of the year. The back is engraved with the word "Canada," the date "2013" and the face value of "5 dollars." 

• Mintage: 6,500

Includes:
• 2013 $5 Proof Niobium and Silver Coin Contemporary Aboriginal Art - Mother and Baby Ice Fishing