Canada 125 Dollars Half Kilogram Fine Silver Coin 2015 The Narwhal
Conservation Series
The icy waters of the Arctic are home to a mysterious and fascinating creature. It's the narwhal, a shy whale that is also known as the “unicorn of the sea” because of its long, spiralling tusk. Researchers are still unravelling the mystery of this unique feature, as well as the narwhal's biology. But one thing is certain: Canada is home to the largest narwhal population in the world — a fact that underscores the need to conserve this rare species as it faces unprecedented change in its environment.
Obverse: Susanna Blunt’s design of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Reverse: Designed by Canadian artist Curtis Atwater, your coin features two meticulously engraved narwhals moving through the waters in Canada's Arctic region. A variety of finishing techniques enhance this life-like depiction, bringing added depth and a breathtaking life-like quality to the icy setting. In the foreground, an adult narwhal remains partially submerged as it lifts its head above water through an opening between the ice floes; its spiralled tusk naturally draws the viewer's eye upwards to the tapered point, which is extended towards the sky. Beneath the water's surface, the mottled narwhal uses its convex tail fins to propel its movements, curving its sleek body to provide lift as it surfaces. Swimming alongside the adult is a juvenile narwhal; armed with its own small tusk, this young narwhal remains submerged as a trail of air bubbles are released from the blowhole atop its domed head. Its presence is both touching and meaningful, symbolizing hope for the continued survival of this mysterious and captivating species in a changing Arctic landscape.
Mintage: 500
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Finish: proof
Weight: 500 g
Diameter: 85 mm
Edge: serrated
Face value: 125 Canadian Dollars.
Artist: Curtis Atwater (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint.
Final coin in the Royal Canadian Mint's three-coin series that highlights ongoing efforts to preserve and protect Canada's diverse wildlife.
The combination of highly detailed engraving and an array of carefully applied finishes results in an exquisite portrait of two narwhals in their native habitat.
Canada's Arctic waters are the seasonal home for a large percentage of the world's narwhal population.
Scientists and researchers are still trying to unravel the many secrets of this remarkably shy and elusive species, which is vulnerable to the changes occurring in the Arctic.
Conservation Series
Whooping Crane Grey Fox Narwhal
