2016 Canada 1 oz Silver $20 The Universe: Glow-in-the-Dark Glass

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This modern Canadian release combines traditional minting with innovative glasswork to celebrate a major astronomical milestone. Struck from one ounce of 99.99 percent pure silver, the coin commemorates the 1995 discovery of a supernova by astronomers in Canada. This cosmic event is brought to life on the coin's surface through a unique, handcrafted insert made of borosilicate glass that actually glows in the dark, capturing the brilliant explosion of a dying star. The reverse side of the coin displays a detailed scene featuring the dome of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. Beside the structure, a student peer through a telescope, looking out into a vast sky filled with stars and dominated by the glowing glass supernova insert. Because each glass piece is individually crafted, no two coins in this limited issue of 8,500 pieces are exactly alike. On the obverse, the coin features the right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Surrounding the royal likeness are the inscriptions indicating her title, the issuing country, the 2016 year of issue, and the face value of 20 Dollars.