30 Dollars - Elizabeth II Bison

Reverse

Designed by artist Maurade Baynton, the reverse features a selectively coloured, close-up view of the plains bison (Bison bison bison). The finely engraved backdrop takes you into the heart of the Canadian Prairies and represents the traditional grassland habitat of this iconic Canadian species.

Script: Latin

Lettering: CANADA 30 DOLLARS

Designer: Maurade Baynton

Edge

Serrated

Comment

There was a time when free-roaming herds of bison dominated the Canadian prairie. Today, this grassland icon is found in protected areas in the west and north. It is Canada’s largest land animal, thanks in part to the muscular shoulder hump and a coat of thick fur that adds to its mighty appearance. Our Imposing Icons series ends with a species of great historical and cultural importance to Canadians. Its design is a close encounter that is made possible by the coin’s large (50 mm) diameter, and by its captivating mix of selective colour and exceptional engraving.

“This bison has its summer coat, with a magnificent cape of matted hair over his shoulders. I followed alongside this beautiful creature at Elk Island National Park. You may have noticed a wild look in his eye… I moved on before he decided to do something about my presence.”

MAURADE BAYNTON: ARTIST

DID YOU KNOW?

It has been called a buffalo but in North America, the correct term is bison. In fact, there are two subspecies in Canada: the wood bison and the plains bison(seen on this coin).

A mature bull may stand 2 metres tall and weigh up to 900kg. You’d think an animal this size would be slow moving but it can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h!

A bison’s eyesight is poor but that doesn’t mean you can walk up to it without being detected: it has sharp hearing and can pickup a scent from three kilometres away.

Packaging
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.