50 Dollars - Elizabeth II Kermode 'Spirit' Bear

Reverse

A Kermode bear holding a salmon.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
CANADA
2020
9999 FINE SILVER 10 OZ ARGENT PUR 9999
TT

Designer: Trevor Tennant

Edge

Serrated

Comment

A bear snatching a fish from the water is one of the most powerful scenes in the Canadian wilderness, and the remote coastal forests of British Columbia are home to one species that cannot be seen anywhere else on Earth.

A variety of bullion coins and bars are available to purchase through select dealers. The retail price of bullion products is based on the international gold, silver and platinum market prices, which vary daily. Bullion coins do not have any fixed mintage unless otherwise stated.

Roughly ten percent of Kermode bears are white. They are not albino since their nose, eyes, lips and paws are dark coloured. Their white fur is caused by a regressive gene that must be present in both parents. Studies suggest that white Kermodes catch more fish because their light-coloured fur is less visible against the sky. Bears rely on salmon to fatten up for winter hibernation, and a healthy ecosystem relies upon well-fed bears—they carry salmon deep into the forest where other animals can feed on the carcasses before the marine nutrients are absorbed into the ground and ultimately taken up by the trees.

A unique feature for cutting-edge security, a micro-engraved lasered maple leaf in the coin's field. In the centre of this mark, visible under magnification, is the numeral "20", denoting the coin's year of issue.

Radial lines on the coin's reverse and obverse create a unique light refracting pattern and pose as a layer of added security.

Interesting fact