On Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled the second of four bullion coins from its biannual Canadian Birds of Prey series. It also released a numismatic version.
Struck in 99.99% pure silver, the latest one-ounce coins celebrate the Bald Eagle, depicting the majestic bird in full flight with a fish clutched in its talons.
Canada’s Birds of Prey series debuted earlier this year with the first coin design featuring the Peregrine Falcon. The Mint notes that its bullion mintage of 1 million is nearly exhausted.
Marc Brûlé, Interim President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, described the 2014 $5 Canadian Bald Eagle Silver Bullion Coin as having a theme "whose appeal and relevance transcends borders."
Encircling the Bald Eagle design, which was crafted by Canadian illustrator Emily Damstra, are inscriptions of CANADA, 9999, FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR, and the artist’s initials of ED.
Obverses offer Susanna Blunt’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with surrounding inscriptions ELIZABETH II, 5 DOLLARS, and 2014.
Specifications of the coins include a weight of 31.39 grams and diameter of 38 mm. The bullion issue is limited to 1 million like the Peregrine Falcon release.
Similar to other world mints, the Royal Canadian Mint does not sell bullion coins directly to the public. They are made available through a network of bullion distributors and eventually make their way into the secondary market for a small premium over their melt value.
The Royal Canadian Mint offers the numismatic version to the public directly. Limited to 7,500 and produced to a collectible brilliant proof finish, the 2014 $5 Canadian Bald Eagle Silver Proof Coin is available from the Mint’s website (www.mint.ca) for $89.95.
