BC1492

2014 50 Cents Empress of Ireland Silver-Plated Coloured Coin

Features

A commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the loss of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland, Canada's largest maritime disaster. The coloured reverse image, by Canadian artist Yves Bérubé presents an artistic representation of R.M.S. Empress of Ireland in the final moments leading up to the collision. There is an eerie stillness to the scene as the ship sails along the St. Lawrence River. Engraved above the image field is the ship’s fog bell, which sat atop one of the ship’s masts. It is perhaps the most well-known artifact to be recovered from the ship’s watery grave, and its presence on the reverse is particularly poignant given the fog’s role in this tragedy. Composition Silver plated copper Mintage 15,000 Weight (g)* 32.82 Diameter (mm) 42 Face Value 50 cents Finish Matte proof Edge Serrated Artist Yves Bérubé Packaging Maroon clamshell with black beauty box