Ronde 5 onces de cuivre Don't Tread on Me 2015

"Don't Tread on Me" has been the slogan of the downtrodden for centuries, but never more famously than when the US used it in their fight for freedom.

This newest design from the Silver Shield series captures that idea perfectly, but also in a striking way that is not commonly seen.

Most of the snakes depicted along with the slogan seem small or almost worm-like.

Not so with this design.

It features a rattlesnake (the design almost enhanced by the copper colouring) coiled and poised to strike.

Not weak or languid but ready.

This design by Heidi Wastweet perfectly captures the idea embodied by "Don't Tread on Me".

It is not the whine of the enslaved, but rather a warning from the patient patriot, biding his time, but ever watchful.