Few animals are as emblematic of Canada’s rugged, unspoiled wilderness as the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos). Playing a complex role in the biodiversity of western and northern Canada, this largely solitary animal has long been revered as an important cultural and spiritual symbol. With this superb Grizzly Bear series of coins, the Royal Canadian Mint celebrates the majestic animal by depicting different scenes in the life of a grizzly bear. Mintage is limited to 275 coins. HST/GST exempt.

The reverse image by Canadian artist Lauren Crawshaw is an evocative portrait of the remarkable bond that exists within a family of grizzly bears, which are all rendered in stunning dimensional detail by Royal Canadian Mint engravers. In this ground-level view of the family, the mother is depicted lying in the grass flatlands at the foot of the mountains of western Canada, which rise up softly in the background beneath the clouds in the sky. Her expression is a touching one filled with maternal love and attentive devotion to her brood; one cub playfully stands on its mother’s hip in a playful and expressive stance, vocalising and excitedly moving its forepaws as though communicating a story to its captivated audience. A quieter sibling lies close to the mother, draping itself over the female’s forepaw; this cub’s head is turned towards the viewer, as though peering out of the coin’s image field with an innocent yet hesitant expression. It is a reminder that humans pose the greatest threat to the grizzly bear’s existence. mint.

A highly valued addition to any gold coin collection, and a beautiful addition to any nature, wildlife and Canadiana-themed collection.