2013 CANADA $5 ABORIGINAL ART - MOTHER & BABY ICE FISHING
 
 
1st coin in a new series featuring contemporary aboriginal art incorporated in a colorful design using oxidized niobium to diffract light and cause brilliant colours, naturally.

It features an innovative minting process that incorporates a niobium insert struck into the coin's silver core. The niobium is selectively coloured using a unique oxidization process produced naturally by niobium's distinct properties. Niobium is used in super-alloys, superconducting magnets and is commonly used to strengthen steel. The ability to make unique colours directly from niobium, make it an interesting metal for coins.

This coin's reverse design is by Inuit artist Ulaayu Pilurtuut. Pilurtuut's design shows a joyous mother celebrating her latest catch with her baby in her amautik. Rendered in a contemporary Inuit style, it captures the lighthearted spirit and humor commonly associated with this ancient practice.

The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
 
Special Features:
- This unique fine silver coin features a niobium metal insert with unique coloring that enhances the beauty of this Inuit's artist design.
- Distinct and innovative minting process: Niobium insert is struck into the core of a fine silver coin and then selectively colored through a unique oxidization process. After oxidation, the niobium diffuses light to create brilliant colours. The Royal Canadian Mint controls the oxidation to create desired colours.
- This coin portrays the unique bond between a Mother and her child engaged in an important Inuit family activity, fishing.

Packaging:
Coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint- branded black clam-shell case lined with a black flock and protected by a black sleeve.