Description
According to Greek myth, the goddess Athena was so struck by the wise and solemn eyes of the owl, she honoured this nocturnal bird by making him her favourite amongst feathered creatures; this is likely why we associate the owl with wisdom today. In some First Nations cultures, it was believed that these birds were messengers between the land of the living and the dead, delivering supernatural warnings to those that stumbled upon them. The list of symbolism associated with this curious bird goes on and on, suggesting that the owl has captured the imagination of humans throughout history. Mintage is limited to 500 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
Designed by Canadian artist Arnold Nogy , this coin features a close-up portrait of the snowy owl's facial features, its bright enameled yellow eyes standing in stark contrast to its plumage. Here, the Royal Canadian Mint immortalizes the fierce eyes of the owl with a striking coin that is the first in a 3-coin series celebrating the eyes of Canadian wildlife. A symbol of northern Canada, this terrific hunter relies on its superior vision for success-this fine silver coin expertly painted with yellow and black enamel truly showcases that beauty. A frosted effect on the feathers enhances the eyes to a piercing glare, and a limited mintage of 500 ensures that this piece will be a sought-after collector's item.
