2021 Canada Imposing Icons Bison Proof 2 oz Silver Coin

There was a time when free-roaming herds of bison dominated the Canadian prairie. Today, this grassland icon is found in protected areas in the west and north. It is Canada’s largest land animal, thanks in part to the muscular shoulder hump and a coat of thick fur that adds to its mighty appearance. Our Imposing Icons series ends with a species of great historical and cultural importance to Canadians. Its design is a close encounter that is made possible by the coin’s large (50 mm) diameter, and by its captivating mix of selective colour and exceptional engraving.

• A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN VIEW: Our wildlife-themed coins have featured full body or side-view portraits, but rarely a front-facing one—and never one with such a close view that you can almost feel the animal’s breath.
• A LARGER DIAMETER (50 MM) DRAWS YOU DEEP INTO THE WILDERNESS: Imagine taking a photo of the landscape when the elusive animal suddenly appears and steps into your shot—it’s the perfect view of a wild Canada.
• MIX OF FINISHES: Selective colour instantly draws the eye towards the wildlife, but the wilderness in the background is every bit as breathtaking. From mountains to forests, the Canadian landscape is beautifully re-created thanks to finely detailed engraving, with multiple finishes to add extra dimension.
• FROM CANADA, WITH LOVE: Canada is known for its outsized wilderness and wildlife, and these coins perfectly capture the rugged beauty of both. It’s a four-part celebration of Canada’s untouched corners and the wild creatures that quietly inhabit them.
• LIMITED WORLDWIDE MINTAGE: Limited mintage of 2,500 coins makes this sought-after coin a rare collectible.
• INCLUDES SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE: The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
• 2 OZ. 99.99% PURE SILVER

Design:
Designed by artist Maurade Baynton, the reverse features a selectively coloured, close-up view of the plains bison (Bison bison bison). The finely engraved backdrop takes you into the heart of the Canadian Prairies and represents the traditional grassland habitat of this iconic Canadian species. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

“This bison has its summer coat, with a magnificent cape of matted hair over his shoulders. I followed alongside this beautiful creature at Elk Island National Park. You may have noticed a wild look in his eye… I moved on before he decided to do something about my presence.” Maurade Baynton: Artist

• It has been called a buffalo but in North America, the correct term is bison. In fact, there are two subspecies in Canada: the wood bison and the plains bison (seen on this coin).
• A mature bull may stand 2 metres tall and weigh up to 900 kg. You’d think an animal this size would be slow moving but it can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h!
• A bison’s eyesight is poor but that doesn’t mean you can walk up to it without being detected: it has sharp hearing and can pick up a scent from three kilometres away.

Packaging:
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.