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Multifaceted Animal Head: Grizzly Bear
Presented by
Royal Canadian Mint
Nominal value
25 dollars
Weight
33,34 g
Diameter
36 mm
Metal
Silver 999°
Mintage
2 500 pcs
Production quality
Proof quality, Extraordinarily High Relief (EHR)” technique
Designer
Alex Tirabasso
Producer
Royal Canadian Mint
Description of obverse and reverse
The reverse sculpture by Alex Tirabasso features a multifaceted grizzly bear head built out of 498 polygons. The three-dimensional form protrudes from the flat coin, invoking both nature and geometry in its execution. The extraordinarily high relief plays an integral part of the design, introducing the coin among the first of its kind in the world-sharp, brilliant and doing away with the conventional flatness of minting.
The obverse features multiple light-relief facets that reflect light from various angles, and the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
A brief annotation
The grizzly bear is Canada’s second largest carnivore. Its scientific name, Ursus arctos horribilis, translates from Latin to “terrifying northern bear”. It is easily one of the most iconic animals on Canadian soil. On one hand, the grizzly is oft linked to danger, and its name sounds awfully close to the adjective “grisly”. On the other, this bear remains a highly respected symbol of the nation’s nature and culture. It is synonymous with strength, confidence, leadership, rest and quietude.
