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2014 Canada $300 The Bison - Challenge for Power Platinum (No Tax)
This coin celebrates the plains bison, the largest land animal in North America and an important part of the history of the Prairies region of Canada.
The reverse image by Canadian artist Claudio D'Angelo captures a fierce struggle between two plains bisons during the mating season. The raw display of strength between these animals is the focal point of the coin design. As they clash over their choice of mate, the two rival bulls charge at each other with lowered heads, ready to butt both heads and horns.
Their hooves paw at the ground, kicking up clouds of dust that swirl around them in the tension-filled air, until one suitor emerges victorious from the confrontation. Above them, the word "CANADA" is engraved, while the face value of "300 DOLLARS" and the date "2014" are engraved beneath the dry, grassy landscape.
From the time of the Ice Age until the late 1800s, the magnificent plains bison (Bison ) reigned as the dominant land-grazing animal throughout Canada's grassland regions, from Southern Manitoba to Alberta. Moving across the landscape in large, free-roaming herds, their numbers and impressive physical attributes contributed to their widely-held reputation as a symbol of strength.
The plains bison - colloquially referred to as the buffalo - is easily identified by its high shoulder hump, the curved black horns on the sides of its head, and the thick, shaggy brown-black hair that make up its fur, beard and mane. With a height of up to 2 metres and weighing over a tonne, the bull cuts a formidable figure indeed.
These majestic beasts may have poor eyesight, but their excellent hearing and keen sense of smell allow them to quickly detect changes and intrusions into their environment. From a distance, the normally mild-mannered bison may appear quite docile; however, it is surprisingly fast and agile, and reacts aggressively when provoked or compelled to defend its young. Confrontations are also common each year during the summer mating season; should one bull challenge another's claim to a mate, either will attempt to assert itself by snorting and stamping at the ground. When this fails to discourage the challenger, a battle of wills ensues as the two competing suitors charge each other and butt heads in a display of brute force amidst the open prairie landscape.
Sadly, hunting pushed the species to near-extinction by the start of the 20th century. The widespread disappearance of the grasslands - one of Canada's most endangered habitats - has also limited the prospects for the recovery of Canada's wild bison population. But some of the bison's traditional migration routes can still be seen from the air - a permanent reminder of the past, which was carved into the landscape over time by the instinctive passage of millions of hooves.
Specifications:
Item Number: 126398
Face Value: 300 dollars
Mintage: 200
Composition: 99.95% pure platinum
Weight (g): 31.16
Diameter (mm): 30
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Proof
Certificate: Serialized
Special Features:
- This finely detailed coin captures an impressive show of strength between two plains bisons, which are North America's largest land-grazing animals.
- A unique gift and collectible that celebrates Canada's fauna, and a species that shaped the history of the Prairies region of Canada.
- A striking addition to any Canadiana or animal-themed collection.
Packaging:
Coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a custom sleeve.
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