Description

Renowned for its strength, the iconic polar bear (Ursus maritimus) has come to symbolise the?Canadian North for its remarkable ability to thrive in the harsh extremes of its surroundings. With?this fine silver coin, the Royal Canadian Mint proudly celebrates this animal of the ice, the changing?ecosystem it inhabits. Combining tradition with modernity, the intricate engraving is?complemented by a jade insert ? a decorative stone that is found in nature and is of immense?beauty and strength.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Second coin by the RCM to feature a jade insert, it?represents a mother polar bear with her two?engraved cubs in a touching scene.
• Highly-detailed engraving brings to life one of the?Canadian North?s most iconic animals alongside?others that are closely identified with the Arctic?region.
• A celebration of a powerful creature in its natural?environment, this design is enhanced by a unique?gemstone that further highlights Canada?s wealth?of natural beauty through its resources.
• Combining tradition with modernity in a?particularly harmonious way, the intricate?engraving is complemented by a jade insert ? a?decorative stone that is found in nature and is of?immense beauty and strength.
• A beautiful addition to those who love jade,?nature, animals and the Canadian North.

DESIGN
The reverse image by Canadian artist Cindy Deborah Sorley-Keichinger features a truly Arctic scene,?one that tells the story of several of the Canadian North?s animal residents. In the foreground, a?jade polar bear and her two engraved cubs have made their way to the tip of the ice pack. The?stunning jade insert naturally draws the focus to the mother bear, who has turned her attention?away from her cubs to look to the horizon beyond the image field. Behind them, two whales show?their tales in the vast expanse of the largely iceless waters?save for a few awe-inspiring icebergs in?the background. The polar bear?s two cubs carry on, somewhat playfully; while the smaller cub?rests, its sibling takes the opportunity to explore its surroundings. Coming nose-to-nose with a seal?pup, the polar bear cub?s curious glance is particularly poignant: neither cub nor pup fully grasp yet?that as adults, they will be at odds in their roles as the hunter and the hunted in the polar chain ofsurvival. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.