Manitoba’s Centennial Dollar
In 1970, the province of Manitoba celebrated its centennial, and to commemorate this occasion, the Canadian government released a special dollar coin. This coin featured a unique design that included a flower in its center. For years, people have wondered what flower is depicted on this coin, and the mystery has remained unsolved until recently.
The Importance of Flower Symbols
Flowers have been used as symbols throughout human history to represent ideas, emotions, and events. In many cultures and societies, flowers have held special meanings and have been associated with certain values or beliefs. In Canada, flowers have been used as official symbols to represent the provinces and territories. Each province and territory has a floral emblem that represents its unique identity and characteristics.
Manitoba’s Floral Emblem
The floral emblem of Manitoba is the crocus, a small purple flower that blooms in early spring. This flower is a symbol of hope, renewal, and the beginning of a new season. In Manitoba, the crocus is considered a sign of the end of winter and the start of spring. It is also known for its resilience and hardiness, as it is one of the first flowers to bloom after the cold winter months.
The Mystery of the Manitoba Centennial Dollar
Despite the fact that the crocus is Manitoba’s official floral emblem, it is not the flower depicted on the 1970 Manitoba centennial dollar. For years, people have debated and speculated about what flower is actually depicted on the coin’s design.
Clues from the Design of the Coin
The design of the 1970 Manitoba centennial dollar provides some clues about the depicted flower. The flower is surrounded by a circle of wheat sheaves, which represents Manitoba’s agricultural heritage. The flower itself has five petals and is located in the center of the coin.
The Search for the Depicted Flower
To solve the mystery of the Manitoba centennial dollar, a team of researchers and botanists embarked on a search to identify the depicted flower. They examined the design of the coin, consulted historical records, and studied the flora of Manitoba.
The Role of Botanists in the Investigation
Botanists played a crucial role in the investigation of the Manitoba centennial coin mystery. They used their expertise and knowledge to identify the flower based on its physical characteristics, such as its shape, petals, and color.
The Discovery of the Depicted Flower
After years of research and investigation, the depicted flower on the 1970 Manitoba centennial dollar was finally identified. The flower is a pasqueflower, also known as Pulsatilla patens. This flower is native to the prairie regions of North America and is known for its unique appearance and delicate beauty.
A Closer Look at the Pasqueflower
The pasqueflower has five purple petals and a yellow center. It blooms in early spring and is often found in dry, rocky, or sandy soils. In addition to its beauty, the pasqueflower has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
The Significance of the Pasqueflower
The pasqueflower is a significant symbol for Manitoba, as it represents the province’s natural beauty, resilience, and adaptability. This flower is also associated with Easter, as it blooms around the same time as the holiday and is sometimes called the "Easter flower."
Conclusion: The Manitoba Centennial Coin Mystery Solved
After decades of speculation and debate, the mystery of the Manitoba centennial coin has finally been solved. The flower depicted on the coin is the pasqueflower, a symbol of Manitoba’s natural beauty and resilience. Thanks to the efforts of researchers and botanists, we can now appreciate the significance of this flower and its role in Manitoba’s history and identity.
References: Sources and Further Reading
- "Manitoba’s Centennial Dollar." Royal Canadian Mint. https://www.mint.ca/store/coin/proof-dollar-1970-prod1810001
- "Pulsatilla patens." USDA Plants Profile. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PUPA4
- "Pasqueflower." Government of Manitoba. https://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/annual_reports/2002/pasqueflower.html
- "Floral Emblems of Canada." Canadian Heritage. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/floral-emblems-canada.html
