2005 50c Golden Rose - Sterling Silver Coin

When the first pioneers began arriving in Canada almost 300 years ago, many were eager to bring the botanical treasures from their homeland with them. The first roses to arrive in Canada were from France, but they were ill equipped to endure the extreme climatic conditions of North America. It wasn’t until the last century that hardier varieties began to tempt their fate against the Canadian winter. One of the most notable is Father Hugo’s rose, named after Father Hugh Scallon, the missionary who discovered this beautiful yellow rose in China and sent it to England in 1899. It wasn’t long before the tough disposition of this hardy rose was discovered, and the Golden Rose of China was brought to Canada.