Product Overview
This innovative $50 fine silver coin takes us back in time to the 17th century when explorers like Samuel Champlain first came to the New World. This coin features a mariner's astrolabe, a key navigational instrument of the era used to determine latitude. The astrolabe is set against a reproduction of Champlain's 1632 map of New France, which is framed by the astrolabe's graduated scale. The design for this coin was inspired by a 17th century mariner's astrolabe found near Cobden, Ontario. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

A mariner's astrolabe is a simplified astrolabe. Made of brass or bronze, it was designed for use at sea; its four windows allowed the breezes to pass through while a weight at the bottom kept it steady. It was a common navigational instrument in the 16th and 17th centuries, but only a hundred or so exist today, including the famous one highlighted on this coin.

• Mintage: 1,000
• Diameter: 65.25 mm
• Weight: 5 oz pure silver
• GST/HST exempt

Includes:
• 2021 $50 Five-Ounce Astrolabe Pure Silver Coin
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