Own this pysanka celebration of renewal, strength and perseverance.

Ready to meet life’s challenges head-on, the mighty ram is a dignified symbol of leadership and determination. On this exquisite 99.99% pure gold pysanka coin, the finely engraved folk-art depiction of a ram standing atop a rocky cliff is an inspiring metaphor for strength and perseverance, having overcome all obstacles to have its moment in the sun.

Welcome spring with this gold celebration of a Ukrainian tradition.

Good to know

Celebrate tradition. Celebrate Ukrainian culture and the symbolism of spring with this exclusive golden tribute to strength and perseverance. This egg-shaped pysanka coin is a precious metal showcase of a centuries-old artform with layers of meaning.

An inspirational pysanka. Paired with solar symbols and basking in the gleam of 99.99% pure gold, the finely engraved motif of a ram standing on a mountain delivers an inspiring message for 2024 (and beyond).

Pure gold. The engraved intricacies of this folk-art design and the coin’s luminous proof finish reflect the highest calibre of minting craftsmanship.

Pairs beautifully with previous pysanky. This is the fourth pysanka coin design from artist Dave Melnychuk, who designed the first gold one (2019’s Eternal Blessing).

Coveted and cherished. Only 300 coins are available to collectors worldwide, and all previous pysanka coins sold out quickly.

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

No GST/HST

Did you know?

The ram is a popular Ukrainian art motif and has long appeared on pysanky (the plural of “pysanka”). The curved spirals that represent a ram’s horns (“rizhky”) are an ancient symbol of leadership and perseverance – they even appear on ancient Trypillian pottery from the Neolithic era (5500-2750 BCE).

Behind closed doors

“Modelled after the Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, the ram standing at the peak of a mountain represents the same aspects, in essence, as that of the Tree of Life – these polar or axial symbols, around which everything else revolves, ultimately represent balance between paradoxical aspects of life. Thus, the main message of the design is of the joy and beauty of life, and of perseverance and strength when facing obstacles.”

– Dave Melnychuk, Artist

“For 2024, we wanted to showcase the ram as a symbol of strength and perseverance. This exquisite design from Dave Melnychuk complements previous gold pysanka coins beautifully, and reminds us of how, in this season of renewal, we draw our strength from the rising sun.”

– Alicia Cook Sapene, Product Manager

About the design

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

Reverse: A ram of a rocky cliff

Designed by artist Dave Melnychuk, this pysanka coin’s reverse features a central motif of a ram – a traditional symbol of strength and perseverance – standing on a mountain peak, with the moon and rising sun in the sky. The inspiring scene is framed by a diamond shape symbolizing the earth and the notion of stability. The eternity bands contain curls and spirals inspired by the symbolism and appearance of the ram, while eight-pointed stars represent the sun and celebrate spring as the season of renewal and rebirth.

Obverse: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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 and the double date of her reign.

This year, the Royal Canadian Mint net cash proceeds earned from the sale of our gold and silver pysanka coins will be donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Product # 246017

$250 Pure Gold Coin - Pysanka (2024)