Description
The 2018 $20 Little Creatures: Monarch Caterpillar coin is an official collector issue from the Royal Canadian Mint, combining fine silver craftsmanship with an eye-catching three-dimensional Murano glass element. This coin celebrates the early life stage of one of Canada’s most iconic and admired butterflies — the Monarch.
Struck in one ounce of .9999 fine silver with a proof finish, the coin features a hand-crafted Murano glass monarch caterpillar, making each example subtly unique. This piece is part of the Royal Canadian Mint’s popular Little Creatures Series and was produced in a strictly limited mintage of just 5,000 coins worldwide.
⚠️ Please note:
This example does NOT include the original Royal Canadian Mint box or Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
The coin is securely housed in a protective plastic capsule only.
As a pure silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.
Design Highlights
Reverse (Back)
The reverse design by Maurice Gervais features a three-dimensional Murano glass monarch caterpillar, vividly coloured in yellow, black, and white. The caterpillar rests on a selectively coloured swamp milkweed leaf, complete with elongated green leaves and clusters of soft pink flowers.
Each glass caterpillar is individually hand-crafted by renowned Murano glassmakers Bernardino and Giorgio Vio in Murano, Italy, ensuring that no two coins are exactly alike.
Obverse (Front)
Effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt, surrounded by inscriptions denoting the denomination and year.
Key Features
Murano Glass Artwork: Features a fully three-dimensional monarch caterpillar individually hand-crafted by master glassmakers in Murano, Italy.
Pure Silver Content: Struck in 1 troy ounce of 0.9999 fine silver by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Limited Mintage: Officially limited to just 5,000 coins worldwide, enhancing long-term collectability.
Proof Finish: Showcases polished fields and finely frosted details for strong visual contrast.
Little Creatures Series: Part of the popular Royal Canadian Mint series celebrating small yet remarkable wildlife.
Specifications
Country: Canada
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
Year: 2018
Denomination: $20
Metal: Silver
Fineness: .9999
Weight: 31.39 grams (1.009 troy oz)
Diameter: 38 mm
Finish: Proof
Artist: Maurice Gervais
Series: Little Creatures
Theme: Wildlife / Nature / Canadian Fauna
Packaging & Condition
Packaging: Protective plastic capsule only
Box: Not included
Certificate of Authenticity: Not included
Condition: Coin in excellent condition (see photos for details)
Why Collect This Coin?
Murano glass coins from the Royal Canadian Mint are among the most sought-after modern Canadian collectibles. With its low mintage, hand-crafted glass artwork, and elegant wildlife theme, the 2018 Monarch Caterpillar coin remains a standout piece for collectors of RCM issues, nature-themed coins, and mixed-media numismatics.
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