Description
This 2021 two ounce fine silver $30 coin takes us back to a time when free-roaming herds of bison dominated the Canadian prairies. Using a large 50 mm diameter silver canvas and selective colour, the coin beautifully captures the grandeur of Canada’s largest land animal. The imagery feels like a close encounter, made possible by the coin’s large 50 mm diameter, and by its captivating mix of selective colour and fine engraving. Mintage is limited to 2,500. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The art by Maurade Baynton presents an image of the heart of the Canadian Prairies and represents the traditional grassland habitat of this iconic Canadian species. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Did you know?
- that it has been called a buffalo but in North America, the correct term is bison. In fact, there are two subspecies in Canada: the wood bison and the plains bison (seen on this coin).
- A mature bull may stand 2 metres tall and weigh up to 900 kg. You’d think an animal this size would be slow moving but it can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h!
- A bison’s eyesight is poor but that doesn’t mean you can walk up to it without being detected: it has sharp hearing and can pick up a scent from three kilometres away.
