An ode to a classic Looney Tunes cartoon!!
A hapless hunter that is easily duped, Elmer J. Fudd is the perfect
foil to Bugs Bunny’s easy-going demeanour and wily antics.
Starting with Bugs Bunny’s first appearance in 1940, the two share
a long history of antagonizing one another that plays out to great
laughs in many cartoons together—but none quite as beloved and
iconic as the animated masterpiece The Rabbit of Seville, which is
depicted on this coin’s reverse.
Released in theatres on December 16, 1950, The Rabbit of Seville
was the first Looney Tunes short to parody a classic opera—but
wouldn’t be the last! The story takes place at the Hollywood Bowl;
pursued by Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny tries to elude the hunter by
tricking him into venturing on-stage just before a staged
production of Rossini’s most famous opera, The Barber of Seville.
Through escalating gags and barbershop antics that could only
exist in the imagination, Bugs takes control and stages his own
version of the opera—at Elmer’s expense, of course.
Remarkably, Rossini’s overture was left fairly intact, with the
exception of some light editing to remove repetitive passages and
a slightly sped-up tempo that helps the action stay within a six-
minute running length. The battle is an animated tour de force,
with comedic storytelling timed perfectly to the music of a
celebrated opera.
These cartoon capers have made us all laugh, and also
introduced classical music and opera to many who would
have never known Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, had it not been
for one “wascally wabbit” and a hapless hunter.
Special features:
• An ode to a classic Looney Tunes cartoon, the design depicts a
scene from The Rabbit of Seville featuring Bugs Bunny and Elmer
Fudd.
• Crafted from 99.99% pure silver, this coin is striking thanks to
the combined use of selective color, expert engraving and multiple
finishes.
About the Design:
The reverse image, provided by Warner Bros., brings together
selective coloring and expert engraving in this ode to the famous
and much-loved Looney Tunes short, The Rabbit of Seville. Seen
in side-profile and in color, Elmer Fudd is seated in a barber chair
as he leans forward to peer into a mirror held up by a self-
possessed Bugs Bunny; upon seeing his reflection, he is shocked
to find Bugs’ barbershop antics have resulted in a flowery “mane”
of bright red flowers on the top of his bald head. Enhanced by the
use of multiple finishes, the engraved background offers a
depiction of the stage setting, asseen in the 1950 animated short.