This 2015 $20 fine silver coin captures a dynamic moment centered on one of Canada’s imposing grizzly bears. 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 6,500 coins. HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

The reverse image by Canadian artist Lauren Crawshaw transports the viewer to the river valleys of western Canada, where the forests and tall mountains can be seen in the background. It is the fall salmon run; as the salmon make their arduous journey upstream in the fall, one grizzly bear has waded out into the shallow waters to make the catch of the day. When a fish suddenly jumps out of the water, the grizzly (seen in side profile) lunges forward with majestic strength, its large paws and sharp claws ready to capture its protein-rich meal. Beautiful engraving depicts the grizzly in dimensional detail, from its open-mouthed expression to the long furs that are matted by the water.

The Grizzly Bear:

The grizzly bear is second in size only to the polar bear, and this engaging coin reveals its power, speed and surprising agility. It's a time when numerous grizzlies will congregate along British Columbia's riverbanks to feast on this protein-rich fish that is essential to building up the fat stores that will sustain them through their winter hibernation.

Largely solitary, the formidable grizzly makes its home in the wilderness of western and northern Canada–from small pockets of Manitoba and northern Saskatchewan to western Alberta, and a more widespread presence in British Columbia and the Canadian North.