20 Dollars - Elizabeth II Cedar Waxwing

Reverse

The reverse design by Canadian artist Tony Bianco features an eye-level view of a cedar waxwing (Bombycilla ccedrorum) in an engraved backyard setting, where a stone walkway leads to a lattice arch. In the foreground, the soft pastel colours of the flowering crab apple (genus Malus) tree complement the cedar waxwing’s mix of yellow, brown, grey, white and red feathers.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
CANADA
2022

Designer: Tony Bianco

Edge

Serrated

Comment

The star of the Royal Canadian Mint's second Colorful Birds coin, the American waxwing is easily recognized by its slick-backed crest, black mask and silky brown and yellow plumage. Present in all Canadian provinces and territories, this gregarious bird feeds in flocks. It's fond of insects and berries, like the crabapple in bloom on this nature-inspired design.

Packaging

The coin is encapsulated and presented in a black double-shell case featuring the Royal Canadian Mint logo. The case comes with a black protective box.

DID YOU KNOW?

Some American waxwings have orange rather than yellow tail tips. This phenomenon occurs when a young waxwing eats a large quantity of berries from a particular species of honeysuckle: the red pigment in the fruit alters the color of its immature tail feathers.

See the red tip on the waxwing's wing feathers? These are actually waxy secretions. We're not sure what role these waxy spots play, but some ornithologists believe they're used during courtship.

The American waxwing is also known as the "cedar waxwing", because of its fondness for cedar berries in winter. Feasting on too many berries in one place can be harmful. They can become intoxicated by over-ripe berries and fruit.

Interesting fact

Price

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 20 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Cedar Waxwing) 2022 coin.