Description
This 2014 $5 gold 4 coin set explores the Royal Canadian Mint's O' Canada series which focuses on iconic Canadian Animals. Mintage is limited to 4,000 for each coin. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The Goose:
Your coin was designed by Canadian artist Jean-Charles Daumas and presents a portrait of a Canada goose in its natural habitat. Viewed in three-quarter profile from its left side, a Canada goose sits comfortably against the background of a forest-lined lake. Its dark head and bill, bright white cheek marking, long black neck, and densely feathered dun body are rendered in exceptional detail by Royal Canadian Mint engravers. Each feather, shadow, and highlight seem to burst with life as the iconic waterfowl looks calmly at the viewer.
The Buffalo:
Your coin displays a full-body profile portrait of a bison in its natural habitat. Viewed from its right side with its head and hindquarters arched toward the viewer, a massive American bison bull stands with one hind leg raised in mid-stride. Its shaggy beard, blunt nose, small eye, and upturned horns are presented to stunning effect through the masterful use of varied finishes and engraving. The powerfully muscled, hunched back and fur-lined forelimbs give way to a low sloped hind section ending in a short fringed tail. On the bison's abdomen we see scars from ancient battles with other bulls and perhaps predators like wolves. The dust seems to rise from beneath the bulky mass of the plains giant as its feet stir the scraggly open grassland.
The Moose:
Designed by Canadian artist Trevor Tennant, your coin depicts a profile portrait of a moose in its natural habitat. In this lovely portrait, the moose’s head, neck, and shoulders are presented from the right side. The image details the moose’s amazing antlers, which rise from its forehead just above its gentle eyes. Its tall, mule-like ears jut out above the antlers—an arrangement believed to help amplify sound and augment the moose’s sense of hearing. The moose’s wet, bushy fur, large round snout, and long dangling dewlap are rendered in beautiful detail as the mooselooks back over its right shoulder at the viewer. In the background we see a northern wetland lined with dense aquatic vegetation. A pond or lake gives way to a coniferous forest and, in the distance, rocky foothills.
The Grizzly Bear:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Glen Loates presents a full-body portrait of a grizzly bear. Viewed from the front, the massive grizzly raises its powerful right front claw, perhaps in a display of dominance or aggression. Its mouth open to reveal its large teeth, the grizzly displays its full bulk to stunning effect. The large head, muscular chest and front legs, enormous neck hump and gargantuan body lead back to a low rump and squat, powerful hind legs. The grizzly’s distinctive bushy silver-tipped fur is rendered in stunning detail, making the huge animal appear even larger. The grizzly stands atop a rocky outcropping. In the background we see the jagged peaks of its western highland habitat. The reverse is engraved with the word “CANADA,” the date “2014,” and the face value of “5 DOLLARS.” The outer frame of the image also features a miniature stylized grizzly head in profile. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
