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2021 Canada $20 Black and Gold: The Grey Wolf Fine Silver (No Tax)
The duality of the wolf is part of what draws us to it, and the yin and the yang of its existence is what this 99.99% pure silver coin conveys. For centuries, the highly intelligent and social species has been feared and unfairly maligned as the villain in children's stories. Yet it is that same hunting instinct that makes the elusive wolf an essential part of its ecosystem, where it helps maintain the balance between flora and fauna, predator and prey.
Native to Eurasia and North America, the Grey Wolf is a large canine with more than thirty subspecies. Males typically average 40kg (88lbs) and females 37kg (82lbs), and measure 105-160 cm (41-63 in) in length and 80-85cm (31-33 in) at shoulder height. The Grey Wolf is distinguished from other species by its pointed ears and muzzle, shorter torso and longer tail. The Grey Wolf is closely related to the coyote and golden jackal, and can product fertile hybrids with these species. Usually, the fur of the Grey wolf is mottled white, brown, grey, and black, although some subspecies in the Arctic region can be all white or nearly all white. The wolf is a protected species in national parks under the Canada National Parks Act.
The circular reverse design by Claude Thivierge features a contrasting “yin and yang”-like representation of the grey wolf (Canis lupus). Two wolves are positioned chin-to-chin, almost appearing to be engaged in a warm embrace, to illustrate the tight social bonds that exist between pack members and each wolf has fixed its gaze on the viewer. Gold and black rhodium plating perfectly splits this engraved image into two opposite but complementary halves. The obverse features the gold-plated effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Specifications:
Item Number: 200908
Mintage: 5,500
Composition: 99.99% pure silver, with yellow gold and black rhodium plating
Weight*: 31.39g
Diameter: 38 mm
Face Value: $20
Finish: Matte Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Claude Thivierge
Special Features:
• Dynamic design Inspired by the yin yang symbol, the circular design emphasizes the wolf's strong social bonds while pulling you into its gaze.
• Yellow gold and black rhodium plating divide this coin's design into two opposing but complementary elements. It is a powerful representation of a keystone species that, historically, has been both feared and revered, though our understanding of it has evolved and improved over time.
• Back by popular demand! A follow-up to the Royal Canadian Mint's popular 2019 Black and Gold: The Canadian Horse coin, this 2021 coin heads into the Canadian wilderness to offer a fresh perspective on a second species: the grey wolf.
• Three different alloys! Beneath the gold and black rhodium plating, your coin has a 99.99% pure silver core.
• As seen on previous black rhodium coins, the matte gunmetal finish strikes a dramatic contrast next to the yellow gold. Each finish pays with light and shadows to bring out details that are otherwise unseen in the other portion of the design.
Packaging:
Comes encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.
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