This charming and unique 2015 25-cent pure gold coin celebrates Canada’s rich biodiversity, with different ecosystems that support a vast number of animal species. The Royal Canadian Mint’s series of small pure gold coins proudly showcases some of Canada’s smaller animal residents – including the smallest member of the rabbit family, the pika, seen on this coin. Struck in an affordable and compact half-gram of .9999 pure gold with a diameter of 11mm, this proof-quality coin would make a thoughtful gift for animal-lovers and collectors alike. As a pure gold coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.

The Design:
Despite the coin’s small size, this side-profile portrait of a pika, as designed by Canadian artist Derek C. Wicks, captures the mammal’s soft features and expression in exquisite detail. Inquisitively peering up to the right, the pika is poised with its front paws leaning against a loose pile of rocks that line the slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Masterful engraving recreates this timid creature’s prominent, rounded ears as well as the fur that covers its stocky little body and face.