The Silver Arrow
When Canadian Artist Joe Green decided to make the Fine Silver Arrow coin, he went all out and in the process, as he was told by the minting sub-contractor he was using, that up until this coin, no coin in history was ever minted up to the specifications this one had and thereby setting the standard in global minting excellence with this first issue. When he started this, his emphasis was exclusively on beauty, it always has been and always will be to the exclusion of all else. He didn’t care what the costs were, he wanted what he wanted and since it would be dedicated to the AVRO Arrow and the Royal Canadian Air Force, it could not just be good, it had to be beyond exceptional to reflect Green’s high regard for both the Arrow and the RCAF.
As an artist, trained at the prestigious Emily Carr Institute, which went on to become Emily Carr University, Green paid close attention to every possible aspect of the symbolism within the coin. Given the RCAF was flying towards their 100th Anniversary, he created 100 tiny squares around the perimeter to reflect its anniversary and because the first Arrow to fly was RL-201, he placed in 201 tiny round dots around the interior perimeter to reflect this, something which all coins issued by Beaverworks Mint still to this day reflects to connect all coins to their historical origins.
“It’s not just a coin, its a performance piece.”
In keeping with his training, he ensured that every possible aspect of what “this” represents, reflects the entirety of what the Arrow represented to Canadians: the pinnacle of achievement. Even within packaging, every aspect of how someone would approach it, open it, view it, interact with it, all of it was accounted for and thoughtfully and lovingly added to the packaging. When collectors purchase the coin, with the optional premium packaging, it is a coin within a box, within a box, within a shipping carton and with each layer, it builds anticipation and excitement for the collector. Since there is only one opportunity for a first impression, it has to be done right and in such a manner where people are left truly happy with their new art piece.
Great care was taken for every element of the packaging, from its geometry, layout, graphics, how it will close and seal, the finish, the magnetic locking lip, the materials…all of it. If you are producing something for collectors or customers, you have to invest thoughtful consideration into the additional elements aside from the coin which serve to highlight the coin, protect it while in transit while also still delivering on the final result. You can’t just make a coin and call it a day, well I suppose you can, but that’s not how we do things around here. We don’t do it that way, because that’s not the correct way it should be done. Every possible aspect of the entire package needs to be at the very least thoughtfully considered, then if needs be, discarded, this way at the very least, you have a reason why some element is included or not within the final work.
Her Majesty's Crown
Since this was our first experience delving into the world of minting, we had no one to really guide us other than our own sense of how we think it should be done and use our own standards and practices we developed through honing our craft. Given how this coin would feature the crown of the late Queen of Canada, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we were and have since, ALWAYS paid extra special attention to the history with her crown and to always ensure every single aspect was properly done. Since this issue and with subsequent coins, we cannot convey how many hundreds of hours have been spent looking at this symbol and working to further refine the original sculpt, making adjustments in areas that most people would not even catch, but rest assured, we see and take all the steps to ensure all the contours and details are present regardless of anything. It must always be as perfect as possible. No exceptions.
“Thousands of people helped to build her, and countless millions were inspired by her. Do it right, down to the cubic micron. “
When we first began this, most silver medallion bullion rounds, the official term for non-government issued coins, most are comprised of .999 pure silver. Since we were charged with the responsibility to reflect the highest possible standards that come with handling the Crest of the Royal Canadian Air Force, we ensured that at the very least, our issue would have the exact same purity content that is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint: .9999. If we could have secured a higher purity, we would have and eventually when we build out our own ISO certified refining capacity, we will achieve the highest purity metal anywhere in the world on principle. It must be the best in all categories, at all times and at all levels, no exceptions.
When They First Arrived
When the first batch of Arrow’s arrived, it felt like we were beyond privileged to have them. At this moment, we were the only one in the world who had them and it was a thing of true beauty. We arranged for a photoshoot with our artist colleague Marek Czuba and he graciously provided the images we could use to promote the coins. Then all orders were immediately packaged up and sent to their new homes, complete with the packaging we thoughtfully designed and produced.
“Before this, I never purchased a silver coin in my life, now I run the only mint in Western Canada.“
Each coin has 1 Troy Oz of .9999 fine silver with select gold plating and serialized edge markings and collectors have the option to purchase the premium packaging option. Once we are ready to resume fabrication and sales, we will post the update on our website. Stay tuned and stay inspired.
The Arrow Movie
Gallery
Photos Graciously provided by: Marek Czuba