2014 Water-lily with Leopard Frog Colored Commemorative Quarter

Part of the Flowers and Creatures of Canada Quarter Series.

Found in Canadian province and Territory except Yukon and Nunavut, the leopard frog is aptly named for the irregularly shaped black spots that dot its brown, greenish-brown, or green skin. It lives in a variety of habitats including wetlands in prairies and woodlands in summer for feeding. In the fall it usually moves to ponds, streams, and rivers which do not freeze to the bottom. In the spring it emerges to seek out ponds and marshes for breeding. It is there that the tadpoles will develop.

These freshwater perennials are remarkable plants. At the surface, their buoyant evergreen leaves form a canopy that become resting places for dragonflies, beetles and even small turtles. Nine species are native to Canada, including the widespread yellow pond lily. Often dotted with a large, fragrant blossom that opens in the morning sun and closes in the afternoon, these plants are anchored to the muddy lakebed by a long stalk.

Design: This 25-cent coloured cupronickel coin measures 35 millimetres and features a reverse image designed by Canadian artist Maurice Gervais. Vibrant colouring capture the yellow pond lily (Nuphar variegatum) in full bloom, its outer cup-shaped petals opened to reveal a dazzling circular pattern of stamens cradled inside. The flower occupies the left side of the image field while a bright green pad fills much of the centre and right side. On this pad is a beautiful rendition of a leopard frog, which is set apart by its distinctive black spots and colouring.