In a landscape carved by ice and wind, the polar bear remains the unchallenged titan of the Arctic. Its unmistakable profile lends itself beautifully to sculptured works of art—particularly the soapstone piece on the reverse of this 5 oz. pure silver coin, which colourfully conveys the majesty of life in Northern Canada.
The natural beauty of Northern Canada shines bright on the reverse, thanks to a harmonious mix of finishing techniques and a polar bear soapstone sculpture that makes each coin unique. As it does for Arctic marine life, ice floe provides the foundation for this design: engraving provides a life-like textural effect, while a special frosting gives the snow-covered ice a more matte-like appearance. The surrounding water is a sparkling shade of blue, thanks to the application of translucent enamel over the proof finish. But the focal point is undeniably the sculptured piece that rises up from the ice floe: each polar bear sculpture has been hand-carved from Canadian soapstone by Canadian artist Dave Zachary and his team of sculptors. With its gaze fixed on what lies ahead, the polar bear cuts a formidable figure in this Arctic landscape, where it is regarded as an icon of strength and endurance.
Diameter: 65.25 mm
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Weight: 157.6 g
Bullion Weight: 5.058 Troy Ounces
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Reverse: Polar Bear
Artist: Dave Zachary
Finish: Proof
Series: Soapstone Sculpture, No. 1 of 3
Quantity Produced: 1300
Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
Theme(s): Canadian Land and Seascapes, Celebrate Canada, Wildlife
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