Description
The Birds of Canada coins have been one of the most popular series ever produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, with two coins issued each year since 2007. This coin is the newest release, the Evening Grosbeak, which sold out almost immediately from the Royal Canadian Mint after its release at the end of 2012. Mintage is 20,000 coins.
The Design:
This painted cupronickel coin has a diameter of 35 millimetres. The reverse design by Canadian Artist Arnold Nogy features an Evening Grosbeak perched happily on a red-leafed, snow-lined sumac bough. The bird’s spectacular golden body and banded head with a velveteen brown crown and neck and black tail and wing feathers are viewed from slightly above and behind the right side of the Grosbeak’s back. Its small, round body sits atop a wintery bough of red sumac leaves dusted with snow. A sumac stem rises behind the bird, its bare branches also lined with snow. Bird, branches, and leaves are framed to picturesque effect within the coin’s framed and polished silver ground.
The Evening Grosbeak:
This golden-yellow bird ranges from 16-22 centimetres long. It is a talkative bird with bright plumage and an ability to camouflage itself. The adult has a short black tail, black wings and a large pale bill . A full colour image of the Evening Grosbeak is printed on the Certificate of Authenticity.
