2 oz. Fine Silver Glow-in-the-Dark Coin – Moonlight Fireflies – Mintage: 4,000 (2015)

They are mysterious, elusive, almost magical; when twilight descends, these little creatures suddenly make their presence known as they fly lazily in the hot summer air, flickering and twinkling like miniature shooting stars that seem to be within reach. Fireflies (Lampyridae) prefer to live in moist environments, which is why many cherish childhood memories of trying to catch them while camping in forested areas or spending time near Canada’s many lakes and rivers. Their luminescence is an object of fascination—an effect that has been recreated on this beautifully coloured coin using glow-in-the-dark technology!

While not every firefly flashes, they are the only insects that are capable of flashing distinct patterns as a method of communication to attract a mate, or as a warning to predators. Fireflies are also bioluminescent as larvae, although they are rarely seen at any other time than in their adult stage; it is then that their appearance on a summer night adds a spellbinding quality to the beauty of Canada’s great outdoors.

In the natural world, the firefly’s bioluminescence is generated by dedicated light organs that are located under their abdomens; there, two chemicals called luciferin and luciferase mix with oxygen, magnesium and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to emit the glow that gave the insect its name.

On your coin’s reverse, however, the firefly’s glow is recreated using photo-luminescent—or glow-in-the-dark— technology that is activated by placing the coin in a light source for 30 to 60 seconds; moving into darkness, you will view the elements as though you were approaching the lakeside campsite in the image, where the only sources of light are the full moon and the campfire that reflect on the water’s surface. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the enchantment of seeing the fireflies’ spark light up the darkness time and time again, at any time of the year, with this incredible addition to your coin collection.

Special features:
•  A FIRST: Glow-in-the-dark technology on a 2 oz. silver coin!
•  Photo-luminescent (glow-in-the-dark) elements recreate the magic of seeing a firefly on a moonlit night in the Canadian wilderness.
•  Detailed engraving and the use of colour on the entire reverse create a dazzling image, while Royal Canadian Mint-first, multi-coloured, glow-in-the-dark technology with variable intensity adds a beautiful glow to the moon, the fire, and the fireflies.
•  The effect occurs after placing the coin in a light source for 30 to 60 seconds, then bringing it into the dark to experience the sight of fireflies at a campsite—even visible through the capsule!
•  Crafted from 99.99% pure silver with a limited mintage of 4,000 worldwide.
•  Your coin is GST/HST exempt. 

Order yours today!