Description
To see a beaver in the wild is like a glimpse into our nation’s history and character, for no other species can lay claim to shaping Canada like the steadfastly industrious beaver. This true Canadian icon depicted on this fine silver coin beautifully re-creates a surprise encounter in one of Canada’s many lakes and waterways. The design is 34 mm, and contains just over one half ounce of pure silver. Mintage of this coin is limited to 15,000. As pure silver coins struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Glen Loates captures the industrious nature of an official emblem of Canada, all in vibrant colour. One can imagine standing on the edge of a lake or paddling in a canoe, when nature’s idyllic silence is interrupted by a sudden splash that draws our gaze towards a surprising sight: a partially submerged beaver paddling by with wooden reinforcement for its lodge. An overhead view allows for a careful examination of its muzzle, its rounded body shape, and the famously flat tail that provides balance on land and direction in the water. An outstanding attention to engraved detail is apparent in the motion conveyed by the rippled surface of the water, as well as the textured appearance of the aspen branch firmly held by the beaver’s famously sharp teeth.