The Royal Canadian Mint is issuing a new collection of “rare precious metal coins” featuring diamonds from the NWT’s Ekati mine.
The mint’s Opulence Collection now includes a 10-oz pure platinum coin named Brilliance and a one-ounce pure gold coin named Radiance.
Each is “adorned with rare fancy yellow diamonds sourced from the renowned Ekati diamond mine,” the mint stated in a news release.
This article might be as close as most of us get to seeing one. The platinum coin is listed on the mint’s website as retailing at $128,000 (although you can also choose to pay in six monthly installments of just over $20,000 if that helps).
The gold coin retails at the comparatively bargain price of $39,000.
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The point of the Opulence Collection is to be at the top end of what the mint is capable of producing.
The collection contains “exclusive numismatic masterpieces of exceptional craftsmanship that truly redefine rare,” the mint states.
Brilliance and Radiance went on sale earlier this week.
“The addition of rare fancy yellow diamonds creates visually stunning collector pieces that also celebrate Canada’s vast mineral wealth,” Royal Canadian Mint boss Marie Lemay was quoted as saying.
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“We are proud to once again delight collectors of fine numismatic art with rare and precious treasures produced by people and companies that are passionate about celebrating the best of Canada.”
Burgundy Diamond Mines, owner of Ekati, is currently awaiting a multi-million-dollar federal bailout after being affected by US tariffs among other financial issues. The mine laid off hundreds of workers in the summer.
The mint’s news release represented a chance for Burgundy to talk about something else.
The company’s interim chief executive, Jeremy King, said Burgundy was “proud to partner with the Canadian Royal Mint for the creation of these exquisite works of art that embody Canadian heritage and craftmanship.”
“Canadian diamonds are renowned for being high-quality, responsibly mined and among the oldest in the world,” King added.
“The addition of Ekati fancy yellow diamonds into the coins make them a unique and precious collectible that is truly Canadian in its essence.”
