Canada 350 Dollars Gold Coin 2015 Alpha Wolf
This striking design conveys the strength and beauty of the wolf as a fearless hunter that makes its home in remote areas across Canada.
Obverse: Likeness of Queen Elizabeth II.
Reverse: Designed by Canadian artist Maurade Baynton, this coin features a lone wolf (Canis lupus) rendered in stunning detail through expert engraving, which affords us a unique close-up view of the wolf’s characteristics in a natural habitat. Here, our fearless hunter is perched on a rocky slope and holds its steely gaze as it surveys its remote territory, while scanning the horizon beyond the image field. Tall timbers rise up behind the wolf in a breathtaking alpine backdrop, with the mountain range looming above the winding river valley below.
Mintage: 400
Composition: 99.999% pure gold
Finish: proof
Weight: 35 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Edge: serrated
Face value: 350 Canadian Dollars.
Artist: Maude Baynton (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint
Thanks to its remarkable intelligence and keen senses, the wolf (Canis lupus) is a fearless hunter that plays an important role in its region’s biodiversity. Guardian of its territory in remote regions throughout Canada—from Labrador to British Columbia, and north—the wolf’s weariness of human contact and its general elusiveness give it an air of mystery that only adds to the reverence and fear many feel towards this apex predator. As a symbol of Canada’s untamed wilderness, the Royal Canadian Mint pays tribute to the mighty wolf with this stunning coin.
Measuring up to 90 centimetres in height at the shoulders and 200 centimetres from snout to bushy tail, the wolf’s appearance is comparable to that of a large German shepherd, but with a broader skull. Swiftly moving on its powerful legs and large feet, the wolf uses its sense of smell to pick up its prey’s scent, its acute hearing to detect it from far away, its eyesight to perceive the slightest movement... and its strong jaw to waste very little of its hard-earned meal.
• The wolf is the largest wild dog species; based on genetics, many scientists believe the domestic dog descended from the wolf.
• Hunting in packs of up to 12 individuals allows the wolves to chase large prey: deer, mountain goats, elk, moose, caribou, bison, etc.
• Taking cues from the pack’s leader (or alpha male), the wolves will either take turns chasing their prey to the point of its exhaustion, or will lead it into a planned ambush.
• The wolf typically trots at speeds of up to 16 kilometres per hour; it reserves its top speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour when closing in on its prey.
Special features:
• A striking design that conveys the strength and beauty of the wolf as a fearless hunter that makes its home in remote areas across Canada.
• Rendered in more than 1 ounce of 99.999% pure gold, the highest standard of pure gold available in the world.
• The use of various finishes against a background that has been hand-polished to proof perfection further enhances the expert engraving, and helps bring this beautiful alpha wolf to life.
• The finely detailed design exemplifies the Royal Canadian Mint's internationally renowned artistry and craftsmanship.
• A striking addition to your wildlife-, nature- or Canadiana-themed collection.
