The 10th coin in the Royal Canadian Mint's exciting new O Canada series focusing on iconic Canadian images, this beautiful coin celebrates one of Canada's most fascinating marine species.
The reverse design by Canadian artists Pierre Leduc presents a side view of a powerful breaching orca. Facing toward the left side of the coin, the massive sea mammal is entirely outside of the water with the exception of its tail. Its tall dorsal fin and muscular body convey the sense of its exceptional size and strength. The expertly engraved image reveals the orca's distinctive markings to stunning effect, from the light eye patch above its left eye to the distinctive underbody and saddle markings of the species. Water washes away from the orca's body in torrents as it lifts itself from its fluid domain. In the background we see the Northwest Pacific coast with its rocky shoreline and tall, majestic evergreens.