- Country:Canada
- Collection:Silver Commemorative $20
- Metal:Silver
- Year:2016
- Denomination:$20
- Finish:Complete
- Weight (oz):1.009
- Purity:0.9999
- Mintage:5545
- Product type:Coin
From its perch high above the forest, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) commands attention with its size and stern expression. In flight, it is the lord of its realm-a mesmerizing bird of prey whose enormous two-metre wingspan allows it to swiftly glide across the blue sky. It is one of the most revered birds in FirstNations folklore, and a symbol of honour, wisdom and power. With no natural enemies to scan for, Canada's largest bird of prey uses its extraordinary vision to hunt or scavenge its meal before swooping down upon it, in a show of force and resolve thatleaves little doubt of its regal authority.
A must-have addition to your nature or animal coin display! Order today!
Special features:
Third coin issued in 2016 as part of the continuing Majestic Animal series, which celebrates Canada's most distinctive and iconic animal species.
A powerful portrait of two bald eagles-one engraved, the other coloured-againstan awe-inspiring scenic backdrop.
FEATURES SELECTIVE COLOUR AND MULTIPLE FINISHES! The colour and finishes enhance the detailed engraving, while adding depth and dimension to the intricatedesign on your coin.
99.99% PURE SILVER COIN! Your coin is GST/HST exempt!
LOW MINTAGE: Only 6,500 coins will be made worldwide.
Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Glen Loates features a powerful and highly intricate depiction of a majestic bald eagle landing on a bare treetop. Viewed from the right, the bird of prey's enormous wingspan is magnificently displayed as the eagle slows its approach. Its head is curved forward, its hooked beak partially open to release a cry as itflexes its sharp talons and grips the branch that will serve as its perch. Selective colour captures the remarkable contrasts between the eagle's dark brown body, the bright white feathers of its head and tail, and the vivid yellow of its eyes, beak and legs. Its gaze is intense, almost stern, which adds to the eagle's commanding presence and thesense of its regal authority in this setting. To the left, an intricately engraved bald eagle is perched on a separate branch of the same tree, its head turned to observe its companion's arrival. Towering clouds and soaring mountain peaks provide a fitting majestic backdrop to this scene, easily dwarfing the trees that line the tranquil waters of the lake below.
Did you knowÃ
Despite its name, it's far from bald! In fact,bald eagles have roughly 7,200 feathers; if it loses one of its wing feathers, it will compensateby losing one on the other side to maintain balance.
The bald in its name comes from the word piebald, which means something that has patches of two different colours-specifically, the contrasting dark brown and white plumage.
Its vision allows the bald eagle to see up to fourtimes farther than our own eyes; its hearing is comparable to ours, but we have a better sense of taste and smell.
Just like the red-tailed hawk, bald eagles are believed to mate for life. Their courtship involves elaborate dances, swoops, and even cart-wheels in the air!
Its nest is the largest of any other North American bird, averaging two metres in width and one metre in height; it can grow to be much larger with additions made each year.
Young eagles (or eaglets) don't develop the distinctive white head and tail feathers until their fourth or fifth year.
