This one ounce pure silver $20 coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2016 features a spectacular view of two bald eagles. The eagle is both a majestic bird and a powerful symbol of freedom. It has been the emblem of the United States since 1782 and continues to inspire our imagination. Mintage is limited to just 6,500 coins.
The Design:
The image by artist Glen Loates features a majestic bald eagle as it lands on a treetop. Its wingspan is viewed from the right as it slows its approach. Its beak is partially opened and its head is curved forward, as its strong talons grip the branch. The contrast between the eagle’s brown body, white feathers on its head and tail, the yellow eyes, beak and legs are captured in selective color. To its left is another bald eagle with its head turned toward its companion’s arrival. The background includes intricately engraved clouds, soaring mountain tops and a tree lined lake.
The Bald Eagle:
The great Bald Eagle is an amazing predator whose image has become synonymous with the notions of freedom, majesty, strength and individualism in North America. Eagles are renowned as much for their hunting skills, speed, and strength as for their striking looks and size. It is a large feathered raptor with white-feathered head and tail, razor-sharp talons and sharp hooked beak, The Bald Eagle’s vision is four times sharper than in humans, and is the key to its hunting abilities.