The Murano glass element embedded in this piece was produced in Venice using techniques largely unchanged since the island's glassmakers were legally confined there by the Venetian Republic in 1291 — ostensibly to prevent fire risk in the city, though controlling the export of trade secrets was the more practical motive. The Royal Canadian Mint has sourced Venetian glass inserts for several collector issues, each requiring hand-finishing that makes exact duplication between coins impossible.
The Murano glass element embedded in this piece was produced in Venice using techniques largely unchanged since the island's glassmakers were legally confined there by the Venetian Republic in 1291 — ostensibly to prevent fire risk in the city, though controlling the export of trade secrets was the more practical motive. The Royal Canadian Mint has sourced Venetian glass inserts for several collector issues, each requiring hand-finishing that makes exact duplication between coins impossible.