© ROYAL CANADIAN MINT
© ROYAL CANADIAN MINT
20 Dollars - Elizabeth II Steve: Sky wonders
2019 year| Silver (.9999) | 31.39 g | 38 mm |
| Issuer | Canada |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 2019 |
| Value | 20 Dollars 20 CAD = USD 15 |
| Currency | Dollar (1858-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.9999) |
| Weight | 31.39 g |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled, Coloured |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#275818 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
The reverse design by Tony Bianco features a nighttime scene in early fall. Above the engraved lakeside campsite, the aurora borealis is enhanced by a touch of neon colour, which vividly brings the “Steve” phenomenon to life under UV light.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
CANADA 2019
TB
Designer: Tony Bianco
Edge
Reeded
Comment
"I've seen the Northern Lights many times while camping. They are so much more striking over a peaceful lake with a campfire! Steve's appearances are rare and incomparable, often accompanied by strange green colors. I wanted to make this phenomenon the star of an already dazzling show." - Tony Bianco, artistA thin arc of violet light crosses the starry vault, like a passageway to the heavens. The rarity of the nocturnal spectacle alone is enough to impress. The celestial phenomenon dubbed "Steve" will shine forever. An exceptional wonder discovered right here in Canada!
A celestial splendor discovered in Canada! Order your piece today!
Special features
SECOND PIECE IN THE SERIES! The "Steve" phenomenon is the second in a series of three Canadian Celestial Splendors, natural optical illusions that are rarely seen in our skies. The other two pieces in the series are
Rainbow of Fire (available while stocks last)
Luminous Columns (scheduled for shipment in October 2019)
SELECTIVE COLORING! The targeted use of color draws the eye to the phenomenon, while the setting comes to life through fine engraving.
EYES TO THE SKY! This piece, which gives the observer the impression of gazing up at the sky, fits in the palm of your hand.
THREE DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES! Each piece in the series features a light-scattering effect adapted to its phenomenon.
INCLUDES A BLACK-LIGHT FLASHLIGHT! The artistic qualities of the piece can be admired under any lighting, but the black light activates a special technology.
WORLD LIMITED EDITION of 5,000 pieces.
ONE OUNCE OF 99.99% PURE SILVER! The coin is struck in one ounce of 99.99% pure silver.
Did you know?
The "Steve" phenomenon was largely undocumented until 2016, when the Alberta Aurora Chasers brought it to the attention of the scientific community. The phenomenon is linked to what is known as subauroral ionic drift, which occurs when charged particles travel through the atmosphere at extreme speeds. Until recently, "Steve" was often photographed, but little understood. While scientists are still working to unravel its mysteries, the story of its discovery highlights the contribution of amateur astronomers everywhere.
While the aurora borealis can appear in the north whenever the sky is dark and clear, the "Steve" phenomenon appears only a few times a year. This ribbon of luminous gas appears independently of the aurora, usually stretching from east to west for hundreds of kilometers, sometimes lasting an hour.
Initially, the phenomenon was named after a film in which a character gives the name "Steve" to an unidentified object. Later, a physicist proposed the retroacronym "STEVE", meaning Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, under which the phenomenon became known.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated and presented in a double-shell case featuring the Royal Canadian Mint logo. The case is accompanied by a black protective box.
Interesting fact
The 2019 $20 Silver Elizabeth II coin from Canada features a unique reverse design that showcases a stunning representation of the night sky, complete with stars, planets, and a crescent moon. This design, created by artist Steve McCarthy, is particularly interesting because it incorporates real-life astronomical data to create a truly accurate depiction of the celestial bodies in the sky. The coin's silver content and intricate design make it a highly sought-after collector's item, and its non-circulating status adds to its exclusivity.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 20 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Steve: Sky wonders) 2019 coin.
