If you love space and shiny things, Canada just got a brand new glow-in-the-dark Artemis II coin to totally geek out over.
The limited-edition coin is a unique way to commemorate Canada’s role in the historic NASA-led Artemis II mission. The Royal Canadian Mint just released the Moon Mission 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin to mark the country’s first journey around the moon.
“Experience the pride and excitement surrounding the international NASA-led Artemis II mission, which paves the way for lunar surface missions!” reads the site. “Artemis II is Canada’s first lunar mission, as Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen becomes the first Canadian to fly around the Moon.”
Royal Canadian Mint
The coin, which weighs 31.39 g and measures 38 mm, is made with 99.99 per cent pure silver. It features an astronaut in an orange-coloured Orion Crew Survival System spacesuit with a Canadian flag on the shoulder. In the background is the engraved moon.
Switch off the lights and the coin’s secret comes to life.
Royal Canadian Mint
Shine a black light on it, and the hidden details appear: the Moon’s glow, and details of Earth reflected on the visor. It’s the kind of view that astronauts hope to see and share from orbit.
“What I love about this coin is that anybody could be inside that space suit — it encourages Canadians to envision their place in humanity’s adventure beyond Earth,” stated designer Pandora Young.
The coin’s obverse features a portrait of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. It retails for $279.95 and has a face value of $20, and only 7,500 of these coins were created.
The coin comes in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box and includes a back-light flashlight.
You can buy the coin online, and shipping starts on May 11.
The Mint also recently released another glow-in-the-dark coin featuring an iconic Canadian landmark.