 Their bright and colourful wing patterns are a marvel. And every summer, people around the world are witness to a fluttering art show as these natural works of art take flight. Antarctica is the only continent without butterflies.
Of the 24,000 species in the world, Canada is home to 297 of them, including the captivating Monarch (Danaus plexippus), arguably the most recognized butterfly in North America. Its bright orange wings with thick, dark veins and black borders spotted in white produce a bold design one isn't likely to forget.
Such visibility should make the Monarch an easy target for predators, but that is hardly the case. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweeds and in doing so, accumulate the plant's emetic poisons that birds abhor - a defensive measure so effective that the edible Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) has evolved to mimic the Monarch's appearance.
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The Coin
This sterling silver 50-cent coin contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. It has a weight of 9.30 grams and a diameter of 27.13 millimetres. Designed by Royal Canadian Mint engraver Susan Taylor, the coin depicts a remarkably 3d coloured Monarch butterfly on a milkweed flower. The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Canada 2005 proof sterling silver 50¢ Monarch Butterfly.
Only 20,000 minted.
$49.95 CDN
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