2011 - 25 Cent - Coloured Coin - Tulip with Ladybug

Every spring, tulips from Holland bloom in Canada's capital, which is the home of the world's largest tulip festival. Not only are the flowers a telltale sign of spring, they are the symbol of friendship between nations. In 1945-46, Holland presented over 100,000 prized tulip bulbs to Canada in thanks for Canada welcoming Holland's Crown Princess and her daughters in 1940, and for Canadian soldiers' efforts to liberate Holland during the Second World War.

In 1940, Queen Wilhelmina sent Crown Princess Juliana out of harm's way to Canada. On 19 January 1943, the only royal baby ever born in North America was born in a room at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. The birth was greeted with hope and strengthened the ties of friendship between Canadians and the Dutch.

If you're lucky, you may spot a pretty, brightly-coloured ladybug inhabiting a vibrant tulip in the spring. Both are warmly welcomed by gardeners as harbingers of spring. The two also share a unique relationship. The ladybug uses the tulip as shelter from predators and as a source of sustenance; much like how Canada was to the Dutch Princesses. In return, the ladybug—one of nature's most effective pesticides—keeps garden plants and flowers healthy throughout the growing season.

Specifications

Composition nickel plated steel
Finish specimen (with coloured design on the reverse)
Weight (g) 12.61
Diameter (mm)35
Edge serrated
Certificate n/a
Face value 25 cents
Artist Royal Canadian Mint engravers (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)