LILAC BLOSSOMS Celebration of Spring Silver Coin 15$ Canada 2017

The reverse design by Canadian artist Jan Poynter combines life-like colour and detailed engraving to recreate the springtime display of a lilac in full bloom. This depiction showcases the Preston lilac (Syringa x prestoniae), which was created in 1920 at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Ontario, by Canada's first female hybridist: Isabella Preston (1881-1965). The realistic representation of this late blooming, Canadian variety is in keeping with the style of traditional botanical illustrations, which is particularly fitting given the lilac's rich history. The application of vivid mauve and deep green colours capture the magnificence of the blooms and foliage; but a separate depiction of a branch beneath the shrub highlights the more tubular, open-flowering nature of the Preston ‘Isabella' (Villosae Group) blossoms. To the left is a close-up view of the purple blooms that have become synonymous with the uplifting fragrance and colours of spring. On top of the reverse, the inscriptions: "CANADA" – the issue country and "2017" – the year of issue. On the bottom, the inscription: "15 DOLLARS" – the face value. The obverse of the coin depicts the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the inscriptions: "D·G·REGINA" – Dei Gratia Regina and "ELIZABETH II" – the name of the Queen.