This artistic $20 fine silver coin features a stylized image of an Arctic Fox set against symbolic elements of its Canadian habitat. With a diameter of 40 mm, this is an impressive large profile coin with a weight of just under one ounce of pure silver.  One of the most interesting elements of the coin is that the Mint has utilized a combination of five different finishes to create a play of design, reflection and light that has a fascinating near holographic effect.  Mintage is limited to just 8,500 coins worldwide. GST/HST exempt. 

The Design:

Designed by Canadian artist Tivadar Bote, the coin features a fox sitting serenely in the foreground of the image, looking toward the left side of the field.  Its thick fur, fluffy tail, small ears, and dog-like facial features are beautifully rendered in stylized detail. In the background, motifs of circles, droplets, and wavy rays rise from the image of a circular sunburst positioned directly behind the fox. The circles and droplets symbolize the snow and light that are fundamental elements in the world of the Arctic fox. The wavy rays allude to the warmth and brilliance of the sun, even in the Arctic landscape. The circularity of these elements echoes the circular field of the coin and hints at the cyclical nature of the Arctic fox's lifecycle. The outer frame is engraved with the species' Latin name, "Vulpes lagopus," the word "CANADA," the date "2013," and the face value of "20 DOLLARS."