2022 $50 Canadian Ghost Ship Fine Silver Coin (No Tax)

2022 $50 Canadian Ghost Ship Fine Silver Coin (No Tax)

For more than 200 years, there have been reports of an eerie apparition in Chaleur Bay and in the Northumberland Strait. Some describe a glowing ball of fire; others have seen a manned, three-masted ship with sails all aflame. Those who have attempted a rescue remember approaching the glowing vessel, only for the ship to suddenly vanish without a trace…

Canada’s famous “fire ship” is most often seen in Chaleur Bay (or the Bay of Chaleur, as it’s informally known) but there have also been reported sightings in the Northumberland Strait, in different sections along the coast of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

Some have theorized that the apparition is St. Elmo’s Fire, a phenomenon in which electricity discharged from the atmosphere presents itself as glowing light on tall, sharply pointed structures—like a ship’s mast.

The phantom ship is also known as “Le feu du mauvais temps” in the Chaleur Bay region, where its appearance heralds an approaching storm. Some have suggested it is caused by an atmospheric discharge. Others think it could be caused by a phosphorus discharge from the depths of Chaleur Bay, like the “will o’ the wisp” phenomenon, where a flame-like glow is seen at night in marshes and swampy areas.

The reverse design by Canadian artist Neil Hamelin travels to the shores of Atlantic Canada, where two local sailors push a dory into the rough surf. They are attempting a rescue just as the storm rolls in, but the ship in need is only visible when the scene is viewed under black light. With Colour Reveal technology, a three-masted ship appears on the horizon and seems to be ablaze from bow to stern… but is it real or is it an illusion? The reverse includes the words “CANADA” and “2022”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Specifications:
Item Number: 203994
Mintage: 1,500
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight*: 157.6 g
Diameter: 65.25 mm
Face Value: $50
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Neil Hamelin

Special Features:
• View your coin with a blacklight! The engraved scene is stunning in any light, but the true story unfolds when you view the coin's reverse under a black light, which will activate the technology.
• A fun exploration of folklore! Travel to Atlantic Canada to uncover one of Canada’s most famous ghost stories. Is it an optical illusion? Is the ship doomed to haunt our eastern waters? It’s a fascinating story that culminates with an exciting reveal on this coin!
• A new ghostly tale! You may have met a ghost bride (2014), a headless brakeman (2015) and the ghost of Bell Island (2016), or had a haunting experience at an Ottawa hostel (2019). But this ghost story has never been featured on a coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint—until now.
• Incredibly detailed. From the traditional dory on the engraved shore to the hidden ghost ship on the horizon, every aspect of this design is carefully detailed to reflect our love for a good ghost story.
• Popular with collectors! Previous coins that featured this technology have sold out (see the 2019 Lights of Parliament Hill coin).
• A fun, engaging theme! The perfect gift for someone who enjoys a good ghost story, and an opportunity to show young collectors how fun this hobby can be!
• Low Mintage! Limited to 1,500 coins worldwide.

Packaging:
The coin comes encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.