- Country:Canada
- Collection:Silver Commemorative $20
- Metal:Silver
- Year:2015
- Denomination:$20
- Finish:Complete
- Weight (oz):1.009
- Purity:0.9999
- Mintage:6409
- Product type:Coin
Second coin in the 4-coin series, order today!
Known by dozens of names, but most commonly referred to as pike, northern pike, jack, or jackfish, Esox lucius is a formidable freshwater carnivore known around the world for its large size, incredible striking speed, and willingness to fight an angler again and again.
The northern pike, whose name derives from the Old English word for "pickaxe," is named for its long, pointed shape. Its bill-like mouth is filled with dozens of sharp teeth angled backward into its mouth. The long, sleek, tube-like body covered in tiny scales bears a fan-like dorsal fin situated near the tail, two sets of small pectoral and pelvic fins,and an anal fin just in front of the tail. The pikeis an extremely well-muscled fish with exceptional capacity for quick bursts of speed from a resting position.
The northern pike is also renowned for its size. In large bodies of water in relatively cool climates, it can exceed a metre inlength and weigh more than 18 kilograms. Its preferred habitat is slow-moving water in lakes, bays, andshoals with lots of shady, weedy areas where it cansit in wait for prey (or in the case of smaller juvenile pike, hide from its carnivorous elders). It isknown to have a seemingly limitless appetite. Whilethe northern pike is highly valued as a commercial fish, with mismanagement or unwise introduction, it can become a nuisance species that threatens local populations of other valued fish like salmon, trout and bass.
In Canada, the northern pike is found in tens of thousands of lakes, creeks, rivers and streams across most of the central, western, and northern parts of the country, including Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, northeastern British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. The adult northern pike is an apex predator whose main threat comes from anglers, though rising global temperatures may eventually affect thepike's range.
An exciting gift for the anglers and sports lovers in your life! Order yours today!
Special features:
¥ EDGE LETTERING: Features edge lettering bearing the coin's metal weight: "9999 Fine Silver 1 oz 9999 Argent pur 1 oz".
¥ Second issue in the Royal Canadian Mint's new four-coin series featuring popular sportfish in their natural habitat. Futurereleases will feature other popular species including the rainbow trout and walleye.
¥ This beautifully detailed finesilver coin is struck with an arresting image of one of North America's most sought-after sportfish: the northern pike. The detailed pattern on the fish has been accented with the use of various polishes to bring this stealthy predator to life.
¥ A low mintage of only6,500 makes this coin especially exclusive. The North American Sportfish series will also include two premium versions of fish species: one gold and one platinum coin.
¥ Your coin is GST/HST exempt.
About the Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Curtis Atwater presents a northern pike lying in wait for prey among underwater foliage.Viewed from the left side and pointed toward the viewer, the pike's bill-like snout, speckled body, large jaw, and fan-like fins are rendered in exceptional detail. Nestled among a stand of underwater plants, the image seems to ripple with the movement of unseen currents.
