8 Dollars - Elizabeth II Kermode spirit bear

Reverse

A Kermode bear by a river holding a salmon in its mouth.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
CANADA 2020
FINE SILVER 1 ½ OZ 9999 ARGENT PUR
TT

Designer: T. 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.

It is the Kermode bear, a rare colour morph of black bear with a unique white colouration that has inspired the name Ghost or Spirit Bear.

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.

Special Features

Two unique features of cutting-edge security, including the precise radial lines on the obverse and reverse, and a micro-engraved maple leaf with year of issue "20", provides enhanced security on this pure silver bullion coin for added peace of mind.
Masterfully crafted by Royal Canadian Mint engravers using a variety of engraving techniques and finishes to bring depth and texture to this stunning image.

Interesting fact