2026 Canada Conservation Stories: Barn Owl Specimen Set

2026 Canada Conservation Stories: Barn Owl Specimen Set

A symbol of stillness: The barn owl is the 2026 Conservation Story. Order your Specimen Set today!

The barn owl is one of the most widely distributed bird species in the world, but in Canada, its future is far from secure. Restricted to southwestern regions of British Columbia and Ontario, where winters are milder, Canada’s barn owls face significant threats from road mortality, climate change and habitat loss—in fact, the smaller, endangered Eastern population is estimated at possibly fewer than a handful of breeding pairs.

The pale owl with the heart-shaped face is the featured star of the 2026 Specimen Dollar, which serves as both tribute and testament. It is a celebration of the barn owl’s ghostly elegance, and a hopeful reminder that with care, habitat protection and conservation, the barn owl can continue to grace our landscapes and stir twilight with its silent flight.

Highlighting the plight of the barn owl.

The barn owl needs mild winters and grassland habitats—open fields, farmlands and meadows—in order to survive. As wooden farm buildings are replaced with more modern (and often bird-proof) structures, there has been a decline in suitable sites for this cavity nester. The loss of foraging habitats due to urbanization and agricultural intensification further impacts the barn owl, leading to increased road mortality as it takes to hunting prey along roadways at night.

The reverse of the set-exclusive Specimen Dollar is by Canadian artist Pierre Girard, whose design highlights the majestic features of the barn owl (Tyto alba). Considered an endangered species both federally and provincially in Ontario, the nocturnal raptor is shown perched on an oak branch that provides an elevated vantage point. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Specifications:
RCM Number: 252409
Mintage: 30,000
Finish: Specimen
Artists: Steven Rosati (obverse)

Special Features: 

• Seventh in the series. The seventh specimen set in a series raising awareness of wildlife conservation and species recovery efforts in Canada.
• A set exclusive. Exclusive to this set, the Specimen Dollar highlights the plight of Canada’s declining barn owl population and the importance of wildlife habitat protection.
• A world exclusive. The annual Specimen Set continues to be one of our most popular sets—in fact, the Royal Canadian Mint is the only mint that issues an annual set of coins in a specimen finish (brilliant/frosted relief against a lined background).
• Packaged for easy viewing. All six denominations of Canadian circulation coinage—from the five-cent to the $2 coin, and even the 50-cent piece—are represented in this set. The coins are presented side-by-side in elegant book-style packaging designed to further enhance your enjoyment of this set.
• For nature and wildlife lovers. Inspire a love of coin collecting with this affordable set! With its educational theme and special dollar, it makes a great gift for animal lovers of all ages, and the perfect starter set for any new collector.
• Limited supply. Only 30,000 sets are available worldwide.

Packaging:
This specimen set comes in elegant book-style packaging, with a removable lens that allows for easy viewing of your coins.