For years, the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) has been cast as an object of fear when in truth, it is a fascinating ancient species and one of the oldest life forms on Earth. This $30 coin shines the spotlight on a legendary yet mysterious oceanic predator, whose northern range stretches into Canadian waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

The reverse design by Canadian artist Emily Damstra captures the imposing stature of a great white shark as it moves through Canadian waters. The viewpoint from beneath it emphasizes the large size and the streamlined shape of this solitary predator, whose conical snout is in full view. Its mouth is only slightly ajar, allowing a limited view of the famously serrated teeth that provoke such widespread fear. Rendered in outstanding detail by Royal Canadian Mint engravers, this highly detailed portrait includes the faint markings and scars along the torpedo-shaped body, the gills on its side, as well as the shark’s dark eye. Adding to a sense of depth and dynamic movement is the wide path cut by the shark as it catches up to a familiar prey: a school of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). The reverse also features the engraved word “CANADA”, the year “2018” and the face value “30 DOLLARS”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Capture this famous ocean predator swimming through an ocean filled with blue rhodium plating.