With the upcoming availability of the fifth coin in the Canadian
Wildlife Silver Bullion Coin Series, this article provides a quick
review of all post issues
Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coins are produced as a three-year
series issued by the Royal Canadian Mint. Dates on each are either 2011,
2012 or 2013.
A total of six unique coins are included within the series, each
featuring a unique reverse design showcasing a different member of the
diverse creatures found in Canada.
Every coin is struck from one ounce of .9999 fine silver to a
diameter of 38 mm. The 3.29 mm thick strikes have a reeded edge and a
legal tender face value of CAD $5.
Despite the investment-intended nature of the bullion coins, many
collectors have also shown extreme interest in the series. That is
largely attributable to the unique designs, level of silver purity and
the limited mintage nature of the program. Coins of the Canadian
Wildlife series feature a maximum mintage of 1,000,000 per design.
All six silver bullion coins contain the same basic obverse portrait
of Queen Elizabeth II. Designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, the
portrait is surrounded by the inscriptions of
ELIZABETH II, 5 DOLLARS and the relevant year 2011, 2012 or 2013.
The reverse of each coin depicts a different creature of Canadian wildlife. Reverse inscriptions include
CANADA,
9999, FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR and the initials of the artist for the design.
A short description of each of the known Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coins is offered below:
2011 Canadian Wolf Silver Bullion Coin
Canadian Wildlife 2011 Canadian Wolf Silver Bullion Coin
2011 Canadian Wolf Silver Bullion Coins made their debut in
September of 2010. As indicated by the name, the coin depicts a wolf on
its reverse. The snowy scene of the canid also includes an image of a
full moon. The reverse was designed by Senior Royal Canadian Mint
Engraver William Woodruff.
2011 Canadian Grizzly Silver Bullion Coin
Canadian Wildlife 2011 Canadian Grizzly Silver Bullion Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint released 2011 Grizzly Silver Bullion Coins in
January of 2011. A roaring mature grizzly bear is shown on the reverse
of the strike along the edge of a body of water. Like the first coin of
the series, the reverse of this coin was also designed by Senior Mint
Engraver William Woodruff whose initials can be seen to the left of the
bear.
2012 Canadian Cougar Silver Bullion Coin
Canadian Wildlife 2012 Canadian Cougar Silver Bullion Coin
Issued in September of 2011, the 2012 Canadian Cougar Silver Bullion
Coin appeared as the third strike of what had become an extremely
popular series. Showcased on the reverse is the image of a cougar which
is also known as pumas, mountain lions or mountain cats. The William
Woodruff design shows the cat with its front paws on a fallen tree limb.
2012 Canadian Moose Silver Bullion Coin
Canadian Wildlife 2012 Canadian Moose Silver Bullion Coin
2012 Canadian Moose Silver Bullion Coins made their initial
appearance in February of 2012. Also designed by Woodruff, the reverse
of this coin shows a moose, complete with large palmate antlers,
standing among the tall grasses of its native region.
2013 Canadian Pronghorn Antelope Silver Bullion Coin
Canadian Wildlife 2013 Canadian Pronghorn Antelope Silver Bullion Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint first announced details of 2013 Canadian
Pronghorn Antelope Silver Bullion Coins at the American Numismatic
Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in
August of 2012. The strike showcases a pronghorn antelope on the reverse
with a design by Canadian artist and coin designer Emily S. Damstra.
