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2024 $20 This is Canada: Wondrous Waters - Pacific Coast Fine Silver (No Tax)
New annual series begins! Start your cross-Canada journey on the Pacific coast.
A new annual series, This Is Canada invites you to (re)discover the sights and species that inspire awe and pride for this country! Wondrous Waters is the theme for 2024, as we embark on a four-part exploration of the waters that surround us, beginning with the Pacific Ocean, which is highlighted on the series’ first 99.99% pure silver coin.
British Columbia is considered the most biologically diverse of the 10 Canadian provinces, and much of that diversity is focused along a coastline punctuated by islands and fjords. It’s easy to lose yourself in this spectacular setting where mountains and forests meet the sea, which is home to the long-revered cultural icon of the Pacific coast: the orca.
Coin #1: This is our Pacific coast. This is Canada. Order today!
“Orca” or “killer whale”? Both names are commonly used. “Orca” comes from the species’ Latin name, Orcinus orca, meaning “of the realms of the dead”. As for “killer whale,” it’s been said that sailors used to call it “whale killer” after seeing it prey on whales, and that nickname likely morphed into “killer whale”—the killer of whales.
The largest member of the dolphin family (Delphinidae), orcas are highly social creatures that travel and hunt in tight-knit pods led by an older matriarch. Pod members communicate through group-specific vocalizations, like a unique dialect, and cooperative behaviours are transmitted to the next generations—like the calf on your coin’s reverse!
In Canadian Pacific waters, you’ll find three different orca populations: the fish-eating northern and southern (depending on their preferred locations) residents; the mammal-eating Bigg’s/transient orcas who travel between California/Mexico and Alaska; and the offshore orcas who rarely come close to land. Each type is distinguished by their lifestyle and unique social behaviours.
The coin’s reverse travels to British Columbia for a view of Canada’s Pacific coast. Designed by B.C. artist Glen Green, this iconic coastal view shows a pod of orcas (Orcinus orca) travelling in the waters near a rocky island, while in the background, mighty forests and mountains line the shore. Compass elements surround the engraved portrait to form a frame that contains the word “CANADA” and a face value of “20 DOLLARS”. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.
Specifications:
RCM Number: 244793
Mintage: 7,500
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight: 31.39 g
Diameter: 38 mm
Face Value: $20
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Glen Green (reverse), Susannah Blunt (obverse)
Special Features:
- Canada in all its splendour. A new annual series, This Is Canada brings you some of the wonders and wildlife that are synonymous with this country. This is Canada—in the hearts and minds of Canadians, and in the eyes of the world.
- The trip begins in 2024. A different theme is featured each year! In 2024, the theme is Wondrous Waters and there are four coins to collect. Complete the set!
- From shore to shore. This is the first issue in the new This Is Canada series. It’s also the first of four Wondrous Waters coins issued in 2024, with each piece featuring a different view of the bodies of water that surround Canada. Next up:
- Coin 2: Arctic Coast
- Coin 3: Atlantic Coast
- Coin 4: Great Lakes
- Classic Canadiana. A fun series for all ages, this coin-by-coin trip across Canada represents more than an armchair travel experience—it’s a year-long adventure in collecting.
- Regional art. Crafted in 99.99% pure silver, each coin features a reverse design by a regional artist.
- A guiding compass. The compass frame appears on every coin in this Wondrous Waters series. It is a symbol of curiosity, discovery and exploration. It’s also a visual reminder of just how vast Canada is!
Packaging:
The coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a graphic beauty box.
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