This EHR Dragon is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Whenever minting technology evolves, the art will inevitably follow suit, and this 99.99% pure silver coin introduces a revolutionary approach to numismatic design.

According to Chinese astrology, 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, bringing with it the promise of growth, progress, creativity and good fortune. Framed by a wood pattern on this coin, the powerful Dragon is brought to life by Extraordinarily High Relief (EHR) that lifts the finely detailed relief to an incredible height of 4.7 mm. Our R&D team went one step further, elevating the extraordinary by providing a rear view – also engraved in Extraordinarily High Relief – of that same scene on the coin’s obverse, where the engraving rises up to 3.85 mm to give the Dragon a more three-dimensional form within this two-sided design.

This is Extraordinarily High Relief (EHR) on both sides of the coin, a Mint first that is sure to be one of the highlights of 2024.

Own this two-sided showcase of R&D ingenuity.

Good to know

Celebrate the Year of the Wood Dragon. The most revered sign of the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon comes to life in three-dimensional form on both sides of this coin.

A Mint first. Introducing Double Extraordinarily High Relief (EHR), a new minting process led by our R&D team from beginning to end and executed to perfection. The 2024 Year of the Dragon coin is the first to feature extreme relief on a two-sided design that flows from front to back, reverse to obverse.

Elevating the extraordinary. This isn’t just a matter of featuring EHR on each side of the coin: the obverse and reverse form two halves of one design, with the front (reverse) view of the Dragon reaching a peak relief height of 4.7 mm, while the rear view (obverse) rises up to 3.85 mm.

Mix of frostings and engraving techniques. EHR on both sides of the coin creates multiple viewpoints – from front to back, and from the top down. Different frostings also help accentuate the extreme relief, engraved textures and key portions of this highly intricate design.

“Wood” frame. Representing the Wood element, the laser-engraved wood grain pattern frames the design on both the reverse and obverse.

A lucky dragon. Crafted in 99.99% pure silver with a mirror-like proof finish, this 50 mm coin has a mintage of only 5,388 worldwide.

Specially designed packaging. Your coin comes in a floating capsule with extra-wide sides that allow for unobstructed front-to-back viewing and a vertical display. It comes in a clamshell with a red beauty box that passes on a blessing for “Good Fortune.”

Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

Qualifies for free shipping.

No GST/HST

About the Chinese Zodiac

The 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac – including the Dragon – interact with one of five elements associated with that year, and for 2024, the element is Wood. The last year of the Wood Dragon was in 1964, and people born under this sign tend to be hard-working, self-assured and creative.

About the challenges and technology

“The placement of the effigy was critical to the composition. Since its designated circular area plays a role on both the reverse and obverse, the drawing had to weave the geometric shape into the narrative of the overall design – it had to convey a reasonable purpose for its location. On the reverse, the circle is the moon (yin) and it may be construed as a complement to the dragon (yang); on the obverse, the placement of the effigy appears natural and purposeful, and it becomes an anchor for the presentation of the dragon.

The second challenge was to ensure the rendering of the auspicious creature was simultaneously appealing and translated well on both the reverse and obverse. The body was intertwined in such a manner as to project a sense of perspective, and to take advantage of the coin’s unique dual views.”

- Simon Ng, Artist

“Filling the coin accurately during the striking operation, which is performed using a standard collar, was the most difficult challenge to overcome. A detailed analysis of the material flow was required to achieve that complex and impressive design. We were also able to manufacture this work of art without any machining operations.”

- Christian Brochu, R&D Engineer

“You have to keep a lot of technical details in mind — including managing draft angles — when crafting extremely high relief coins, as these present quite a challenge for engraving. The higher the relief the more complex the dies, and it can be tricky to know when to hold back and when to go all-out while ensuring the art looks great from all viewing angles. The whole process really pushes our creative boundaries and challenges us to use that extra space to breathe life in our designs — especially in this case, since we get to see the front and back of this dragon!”

- Ryan Poser, 3D Artist – Engraver

About the design

Your coin is enclosed in a unique floating capsule designed for vertical viewing, with extra-wide sides to ensure an unobstructed front-to-back view when you hold your coin. It comes in a black clamshell enclosed in an auspicious red beauty box that passes on a blessing for “Good Fortune” in the new year.

Reverse: Year of the Wood Dragon

The reverse design by artist Simon Ng celebrates 2024 as the Year of the Wood Dragon through its depiction of the Dragon, the fifth sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac. Framed by a laser-engraved pattern that represents the Wood element, the Dragon moves among the clouds in a night sky illuminated by the moon, its tail coiled to form the shape of lucky number 8.

Obverse: Dragon & Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A rear view of that scene is presented on the obverse, which, like the reverse, features Extraordinarily High Relief (EHR) that gives the Dragon a more three-dimensional form. The obverse also features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt at the top. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

Product # 246010

$50 Pure Silver Coin - Year of the Dragon (2024)