Description
A new annual series begins! A cougar takes a moment in this .99999 pure gold portrait
It is sleek, strong and surprisingly secretive. Canada’s largest big cat is more common in our western regions, where forest cover keeps it hidden from view. The cougar’s big paws — as seen on this coin — allow it to climb, prowl and pounce, while its stealth and agility help it go undetected by its prey until it’s too late.
Captured in the highest standard of gold purity (99.999% or five 9s), our new annual series offers a glimpse of a wild and untamed Canada. Each of these Canadian Wildlife Portraits is a close encounter with a large animal in the wild — a natural work of art that has been lovingly brought to life with exceptionally detailed engraving.
KEY FEATURES:
A new annual series begins in 2019. This is the first coin in a new annual series of Canadian wildlife portraits, with one coin issued each year.
Highest gold purity, low mintage: A gold purity level of 99.999% (five nines) makes this one of the world’s purest gold coins — and just 350 are available worldwide.
Detailed art. Each design is a rare, close view that showcases the animal’s raw strength and beauty. The limited-edition artwork features strongly textural details, which have been precisely engraved on a premium gold piece.
DID YOU KNOW?
Puma concolor has a large range that extends from the Yukon-British Columbia border to the southern tip of Argentina. Because of this, the species is known by many names, including mountain lion, panther and puma.
The cougar’s front legs are smaller than its hind legs, but its front paws (armed with retractable claws) are big and powerful enough to hold down its favourite prey: deer.
This master of camouflage hunts alone, and usually between dusk and dawn. It doesn’t chase its prey — instead, it stalks its target before pouncing and delivering a fatal bite to the neck.
DESIGN
Designed by wildlife artist Denis Mayer Jr., the reverse travels deep into the forest for a rare encounter with Puma concolor. The climbing cougar is shown resting on a branch, its large paws prominently displayed, as it scans the horizon for signs of danger or prey. Also engraved on the reverse are the word “CANADA” and the year “2019”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
