Pure Silver Proof Coin. All coins offered in this listing are unsearched! (see’Additional Information’ below). All of our Canadian coins are stored in a climate controlled, smoke-free vault. All of our Canadian coins are acquired directly from the Royal Canadian Mint – We do not sell’second-hand’ coins from unreliable and potentially fraudulent/counterfeit sources. Composition: 99.99% pure silver. Weight (g): 31.6 one troy oz. Artists: John Horton (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse). Initially founded by a small group of French colonists in 1713, Louisbourg quickly became a thriving community around its large natural port. Captured by the British in 1758, Louisbourg was eventually abandoned in 1768. Today, it is considered a National Historical Site, known for laying the foundation for the country that would one day be called Canada. The year 2013 marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of this historic settlement. This coin features a beautifully detailed scene honoring this historic Canadian landmark. Each 40 mm coin is struck in 99.99% fine silver – HST/GST exempt for our Canadian customers. Includes unique edge lettering motif. Designed by Canadian artist John Horton, this coin commemorates the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Louisbourg, the essential role this settlement played in the development of Nova Scotia – and, ultimately, Canada. The reverse is engraved with the words “CANADA, ” the double date “1713 LOUISBOURG 2013, ” and the face value of 20 DOLLARS. ” The edge lettering on the side of the coin reads “LOUISBOURG 300 and a repeating symbolic pattern of an anchor, fleur de lys and maple leaf. Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clam-shell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve. Check out my other items. Be sure to add me to your favorites list. ” Unsearched” – All of the coins offered in this listing are “unsearched”. Many coin dealers “search” all coins when they are received from the Mint. They “cherry-pick” the best coins. Then submit them to be graded, certified, and slabbed by PCGS, NGC, ANACS, etc. When a dealer searches coins, those that they sell in original Mint packaging are only lesser quality coins. Photos: When a listing offers multiples of the same coin, one coin is picked at random and photographed. Since all coins offered in that listing are essentially identical, the coin photographed is representative of all coins offered. Surface areas that appear black on some proof coin photos are actually highly polished, mirror-bright metal reflecting the color of the camera. Whenever possible, we use actual photos of our coins, rather than just “artist’s conception” drawings from the Mint. We frequently update and upgrade the photos that appear with our listings, using improved cameras and lenses and better lighting. We will honor your requests for additional photos as quickly as our schedule permits.