The Royal Canadian Mint has released a new gold-plated pure silver coin featuring two pandas seated side by side like two close friends. A Chinese national treasure, the pandas symbolize friendship, peace, and harmony. The design of the new coin is a beautiful representation of a special bond between friends that is built on honesty, loyalty, trust, and generosity.

The reverse side of the new coin features the bamboo-loving pandas seated side by side both facing the viewer while feeding on bamboo leaves and stalks. Above one panda’s head is the Chinese character for “friendship”, which, along with the engraved words “FRIENDSHIP” and “AMITIE”, transforms the wildlife-themed image into a cross-cultural celebration of friendship. The reverse also shows the word “CANADA” and “2019”. Simon Ng designed the reverse.


The obverse displays a right-facing profile of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. It also shows the face value of the coin. The “P” mark refers to the plated nature of the coin.

The new coin is a perfect gift between friends as an appreciation of friendship. It comes enclosed in a colorful presentation card with envelope. It includes three different Chinese calligraphy cards (peace, happiness, and strength) by Kit Au, a renowned Chinese calligrapher.

The new coin is struck in 99.99 pure silver plated with gold. It has a limited mintage of 88,888 pieces.

Source: Royal Canadian Mint