2015 $25 Star Charts Series: The Great Ascent – Glow-in-the-Dark

Description

The 2015 $25 Star Charts: The Great Ascent coin is the third release in the Royal Canadian Mint’s acclaimed four-coin Star Charts series, which recounts a First Nations legend explaining the origin of the Big Dipper. Struck in 31.83 g (1.023 troy oz) of 99.99% pure silver with a proof finish, this coin features vivid full colour artwork combined with innovative glow-in-the-dark technology. When the lights go out, the stars illuminate to reveal the dramatic ascent of the great bear and the three hunters into the night sky. With a limited mintage of 7,500 coins worldwide, this piece is a captivating blend of storytelling, art, and modern minting technology. GST/HST exempt.

Special Features

• Third coin in the four-coin Star Charts series

• Glow-in-the-dark technology reveals the Big Dipper constellation

• Rich full colour artwork inspired by First Nations storytelling

• Four stars rendered in natural silver for added contrast and brilliance

• Designed by Western Ojibwa artist Cyril Assiniboine

• Crafted from 99.99% pure silver with proof finish

• Limited mintage of 7,500 coins worldwide

• Encapsulated with Royal Canadian Mint serialized certificate

• Packaging glows in the dark and connects with other series boxes to form the Big Dipper

• GST/HST exempt

Design

The reverse design by Western Ojibwa artist Cyril Assiniboine depicts the pivotal moment when the three great hunters follow the bear into the sky. Shown in traditional Saulteaux dress with ceremonial shields, weapons, and symbolic face paint, the hunters prepare to rise upward as the bear ascends ahead of them. The scene is richly coloured, while glow-in-the-dark elements illuminate the seven stars of the Big Dipper when viewed in darkness. Not all stars are coloured; several shine in pure silver, enhancing the celestial effect. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, along with the denomination and year of issue.

Packaging

The coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint maroon clamshell with a custom beauty box that glows in the dark. When combined with the other boxes in the series, the full Big Dipper constellation is revealed.

Specifications

• Year: 2015

• Face Value: $25

• Composition: 99.99% pure silver

• Weight: 31.83 g

• Bullion Weight: 1.023 troy oz

• Diameter: 40 mm

• Finish: Proof with colour and glow-in-the-dark elements

• Mintage: 7,500

• Series: Star Charts

• Artist (Reverse): Cyril Assiniboine

• Artist (Obverse): Susanna Blunt

• Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II

• Theme: Aboriginal Culture

Why Collect This Coin?

The Great Ascent captures the dramatic climax of a timeless First Nations legend, blending cultural storytelling with cutting-edge minting technology. Its glow-in-the-dark design, cohesive series packaging, and limited mintage make it a standout collectible for fans of astronomy, Indigenous art, and innovative Canadian numismatics.