The Use of Seated Imagery in Numismatics
North America

Owner Comments:

The allegorical design of this fine silver coin features a vignette that appeared on the $5 note from Barclays Bank (Canada) in 1929, and was utilized on a number of denominations over the years. Originally painted by Alonzo Earl Foringer and engraved for the printing press by Robert Savage, it features a female allegorical figure gazing at a globe with a winged disc in her hand, a symbol of progress. This was indicative of the bank’s expansion into Canada at the time. The minute detail of the engraving is taken directly from the original bank note designs and rendered in pure silver. The face value is framed in scrollwork adapted from the earlier banknote design, for a beautifully classical effect.