1 oz 2024 Celebrating Canada's Diversity: Transcendence and Tranquility Gold Coin | Royal Canadian Mint

Own a turquoise-adorned celebration of Iranian Canadian cultural traditions from today to those of Ancient Persia and beyond.

Canadians of Iranian heritage can proudly lay claim to a rich tapestry of history, culture, literature, and artistic traditions that encompass a wide range of disciplines—from architecture to weaving and metalwork, and so much more. Ornamented with a genuine turquoise gemstone, this 99.99% pure gold coin—the fifth in the Royal Canadian Mint’s Celebrating Canada’s Diversity series—incorporates design elements that reflect Iranian cultural traditions, spanning from Ancient Persia to contemporary interpretation by an Iranian-Canadian artist, represented by Eslimi patterns and Shah Abbasi flower motifs from traditional carpet designs, lotus flowers inspired by the reliefs of Persepolis, stylized maple leaves symbolizing Canadian identity, and a paisley motif in the centre. These elements come together on the coin’s reverse, where the balanced symmetry and stirring symbolism are meant to inspire, to urge us to transcend our perceived limits, and to find inner peace and tranquility.

Coin #5 is adorned with turquoise, and no two pieces are alike.

COIN HIGHLIGHTS

• A celebration of Iranian culture. Magnificently crafted in 99.99% pure gold, this coin proudly celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Iranian Canadians from today to those of Ancient Persia and beyond.
• Coin #5. Fifth coin in an annual series that highlights the cultural and historical diversity of Canadian society.
• A one-of-a-kind piece. Each turquoise features distinctive patterning and hue variations that make it unique, meaning no two coins look the same—your coin is truly a one-of-a-kind collectible.
• A rare and prestigious addition to your collection. Only 275 coins are available worldwide.
• Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

PACKAGING

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a graphic beauty box.

GENUINE TURQUOISE

At the centre of your coin’s reverse is a genuine turquoise—a gemstone that figures prominently in Iranian art and architecture, and continues to be highly prized for its deep blue-green hue.

RICH SYMBOLISM

The engraved design features an elaborate mix of various important cultural symbols representing Iranian Canadians, including motifs inspired by traditional carpet designs.

DID YOU KNOW?

Turquoise has deep, historic links to Iranian culture, art and even architecture. Ancient Iranians named it piruzeh, meaning victory, and believed it offered protection. In present-day Iran, which continues to be an important source of the blue-green gem, turquoise artifacts have been discovered at historical archaeological sites dating back thousands of years.

The reverse design by Canadian artist Soheila Esfahani features a turquoise gemstone surrounded by engraved patterns that celebrate the cultural heritage of Iranian Canadians, from today to those of Ancient Persia and beyond. While a paisley motif surrounds the gemstone centrepiece, a repeating maple leaf (symbolizing Canadian identity) and lotus flower (inspired by the reliefs of Persepolis) form a continuous circular pattern that also incorporates a Shah Abbasi floral motif and Eslimi patterns from traditional carpet designs. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins throughout the reign of the Queen, as well as the double dates of her reign.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT

The Royal Canadian Mint is known as one of the most reputable mints in the world. The Ottawa Branch of the Royal Mint opened in 1908 and was renamed The Royal Canadian Mint in 1931 when control was transferred to the Canadian government. The Royal Canadian Mint is renowned for producing some of the highest quality and purity of gold and silver bullion coins and bars in the world. Their high standards for excellence and quality allowed them to be the first refinery to manufacture 9999 fine gold bullion coins in 1982, as well as the first to reach 99999 fine gold purity in 1998.