Canadian Wildlife 1/3: Gorgeous Orca coin kicks off a three issue W. Allan Hancock penned gilded series

After months of trying out new gimmicks and minting techniques, the Royal Canadian Mint has used August to issue a more back-to-basics selection of quite beautiful designs. We do like that the RCM tries new things, but it’s easy to get tired of weird and unusual, and we sometimes yearn for simpler times, as this is a producer that knows its stuff.

To that end, we’re going to look at three new series of wildlife themed coins starting with a three-issue set of gilded 2oz silver coins called Golden Reflections. It was an easy decision to look at this one first. The debut issue of an Orca eyeing up potential prey is an absolutely gorgeous piece of work. The use of the coins circular space, the perspective and the overall composition are, in our view, of the absolute highest order. One of the most attractive nature coins we’ve seen for years.

There are three designs, all by Canadian artist W. Allan Hancock, and although neither of the other two reach this level, they’re both pretty pieces. The first coin comes with a box that holds all three, and this is going to collate into a really fine set. At $200 CAD a pop (although the last of the three is oddly $30 cheaper), they’re not bargain basement, but the RCM has had the sense to issue one every two months instead of monthly. Limited to 2,500  pieces, a surprise hit and proof that classic coin design hasn’t been subsumed by gimmickry at this talented mint.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Golden Reflections: Predator and Prey series celebrates wildlife, a favorite theme among collectors. Award-winning Canadian wildlife artist W. Allan Hancock authors the design of this series. Every coin is masterfully engraved and plated in gold. Every coin features a scene with animals that are characteristic to the Canadian fauna.

REVERSE: Featuring the mastery of Canadian wildlife artist W. Allan Hancock, the first coin in the series is a fully gold-plated pure silver coin that is a work of art. The dynamic composition is rich in depth and contrast. A massive orca occupies the foreground as it cuts through the beautifully rendered waves. Striking as it is, the orca is a vicious hunter, and its hunger is a force to be reckoned with. Upon the rocks behind sit his prey, three sea lions. The background fades into a forest, and the gazing sea lions remain unaware of the danger lurking beneath the water. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

PACKAGING: A 3-coin collector’s box ships with the first coin.