2009 $8 Maple of Wisdom - Sterling Silver Coin

The dragon is one of the most beloved and significant symbols in Chinese culture. This celestial, supernatural power is associated with countless legends. It symbolizes success, good fortune and wisdom, its greatest gift of all.

The magical dragon is always associated with the emperor, the ruling class or supreme power. It can become invisible and change its size and colour at will. The dragon also rules the seas and guards a great treasure hidden at its depths—the pearl.

In Chinese culture, the pearl symbolizes perfection, the highest form of wisdom. As such, it must reside with the dragon who, like the emperor, reveals great "pearls of wisdom" as it bestows abundance and prosperity upon Canada’s newest generation of immigrants.

The Design:

The reverse design depicts a dragon clutching a symbolic "hologram" with a shimmering maple leaf; a red SWAROVSKI^® ELEMENT embedded in the centre of the coin symbolizes joy and good fortune. The dragon also represents good fortune as well as success, prosperity and wisdom.