2014 Ghost Bride Cupronickel Commemorative Quarter

Part of the Haunted Canada Quarter Series.

Built in 1888, the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel has long been a premier mountain getaway for nature lovers, travellers and even high society. Its architectural beauty and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape have long cemented its reputation as an elegant, romantic setting for weddings and special events. As legend has it, one bride has also made it her eternal home since the early 1930s.

Perhaps the bride caught her heel in the hem of her dress, or some movement caused her dress to brush up against a candle's flame – something startled the bride, who suddenly stumbled then fell down the stairs ultimately meeting her demise. It was a truly tragic end to a love story, and a life that was cut all too short.

Design: This coin features a portrait of a bride with her eyes closed, her bridal headdress softly cascading over her shoulders. Thanks to the creative use of lenticular technology, a uniquely haunting effect is produced when the coin is tilted: the bride's eyes suddenly spring open, while the candles that lined the staircase light up the once-black background. Below the Ghost Bride is the familiar image of the setting for our story: the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs.