Description
Canada's environment is central to the country's cultural life; Canadians' interaction with their environment has proved a potent source of creative inspiration for centuries. Arguably the most well-known representations of Orcas have been derived from their intimate place in the traditions and culture of west coast First Nations communities including the Haida, Tlingit, and Kwakwaka wakw.
Orcas, the largest members of the dolphin family, are among the cleverest mammals on earth; they hunt fish, seals, squid, turtles, birds, other whales, in pods of up to three dozen individuals. Orcas possess an ability shared with few other members of the animal kingdom: they can learn new things during their lifetimes and pass these teachings on to the next generation.
Despite their power and intelligence, these creatures remain susceptible to encroachment on their habitat, pollution levels in the oceans, and even the consistent presence of sound, which disturb the Orcas ability to communicate.
While the Orca's distinctive colour patterns, intelligence, sociability, playfulness, particularly its spectacular leaps, long ago established them as Canadian icons, their vulnerability to our actions should serve as a reminder of Canadians roles as the stewards of their surroundings.
Specifications:
Face Value: 10 dollars
Mintage: 10,000
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight (g): 15.87
Diameter (mm): 34
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Proof
Special Features:
-One in a series of four coins designed by Canadian Aboriginal artist Corrine Hunt- designer of the gold, silver, and bronze medals, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Other coins available in this series include the Wood Bison, Peregrine Falcon and the Boreal Forest.
-The reverse design by Corrine Hunt depicts a stylized orca executed with Hunt's unique interpretation of traditional Kwakwaka'wakw and Tlingit forms. The breeching orca's powerful head, body, and dorsal and pectoral fins have escaped the swell of the sea, hurtling the mythical sea-king from sea to air-its two domains. In the body, an ovoid form represents the many generations, past and present, of the community in which the Orca thrives.
-The beautiful finishes on this coin make it a piece of art.
Packaging:
Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.
