Last week, on Jan. 10, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a 2017 $10 Fine silver coin, Celebrating Canada’s 150th: Grizzly Bear.
From colourful flora to iconic fauna and landmarks, the breathtaking photographs of Canadian Geographic reflect the rich diversity of the Canadian experience. This coin—the seventh in the 13-coin Celebrating Canada’s 150th series—highlights the abundance and diversity of wildlife in British Columbia’s many breathtaking landscapes, including one species that is synonymous with the province’s forests and salmon-rich streams: the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos).
KHUTZEYMATEEN PARK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Based on a photograph captured by Canadian photographer “Jenny” Janet Stevens, the reverse features vibrant colour over the detailed engraved image of a grizzly bear. The setting is on the northwest coast of British Columbia, where Khutzeymateen Park (a.k.a. Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary) is home to one of the province’s largest known coastal population of grizzlies. Resting on the green sedge grass bank, this particular grizzly bear is easily spotted thanks to its reddish-brown fur; its eyes are shut as it rests its heavy head on its left forepaw, while its right paw is loosely extended towards its muzzle. The long claws that make the grizzly’s prints so distinctive are in full view in this close-up, which affords a rare view of an iconic species that is emblematic of British Columbia’s wilderness and natural beauty. The reverse also features the engraved word “CANADA” and the dates “1867-2017” to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
This collaborative series between the Mint and Canadian Geographic magazine features designs based on photographs from the bi-monthly publication. A new coin will be issued each month until November. Struck and printed in vibrant colour, each coin is presented in the order of each of Canada’s province or territory’s entry into Confederation.
Next month’s coin will feature Prince Edward Island’s Panmure Island.