Description
This 2011 $3 unexpected square shape and dynamic design of this limited-edition coin makes it stand out as a distinctive keepsake. Gold plate on sterling silver underscores the importance of this latest wildlife treasure. Mintage is 15,000 coins.
The Design:
A black footed ferret stands sure-footed and proud in this stylized design that highlights its slinky, weasel-like form with the prairie sun shining in the background.
The Black Footed Ferret:
A black footed ferret stands sure-footed and proud in this stylized design that highlights its slinky, weasel-like form with the prairie sun shining in the background.
For centuries, the black footed ferret preserved the natural balance of Canada’s prairie ecosystems. First Nations legends describe it as “magical” because it only hunted at night, slinking into prairie dog tunnels in search of its favourite prey.
When European farmers arrived, they took aim at the prairie dog that dug up their fi elds. Little did they know they were removing a critical link from the food chain; and within a few generations, the black footed ferret disappeared completely—until 1981 when a small colony was discovered, inspiring hope that this helpful guardian could be restored.
