The mystery of Memphré comes alive on this oversized coloured coin—and in the full-colour folder designed to display this captivating coin.
Memphré's dragon-like head peers from the waves as its serpentine body propels it through the waters of Lake Memphremagog. The mountain in the background echoes the rolling landscape of Quebec's Eastern Townships.
Myth or reality?
Marine folklore tells tales of menacing creatures hiding beneath ocean waves, but such mysteries are not limited to the open sea. Scotland's Loch Ness Monster, British Columbia's Ogopogo and Quebec's Memphré suggest numerous inland lakes hold similar secrets.
Lake Memphremagog is located about 150 km (93 mi) southeast of Montreal; a long, narrow lake that runs north-south across the border into Vermont. First Nations legends from the area speak of mysterious monsters lurking in the lake. Official records begun in 1816 reveal as many as eight sightings every year; the majority of them confirmed by numerous, independent eyewitness accounts.
The descriptions of Memphré are so similar to those of Ogopogo and Nessie that scientists have speculated they are members of an animal species that hasn't been discovered—yet. Will you brave the waters to find out?
Specifications
Composition nickel plated steel
Finish specimen (with coloured design on the reverse)
Weight (g) 12.61
Diameter (mm)35
Edge plain
Certificate n/a
Face value 25 cents
Artist Emily S. Damstra (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)