2016 Canada 5 oz. Pure Silver Coloured Coin - Big Coin Series $2 Dollar Polar Bear

This 5-ounce fine silver 2-dollar coin features Canadian artist Brent Townsend's version of the coin's iconic polar beardesign, first issued with the introduction of the 2-dollar circulation coin in 1996. This design has been used continuously on Canadian “toonies,” with a number of notable exceptions.Selective colour on the reverse of each coin makes thisseries particularly lovely and exceptionally unique.Drawing its inspiration from minting itself, this coin makes an exquisite gift, an inspiring introduction to collecting, or an important addition for any collector interested in Canadian subjects, Canadian and international circulation coinage, or mintinghistory.99.99% PURE SILVER! Crafted in 99.99% pure silver, your coin is GST/HST exempt!

Launched in 1996 to replace Canada's 2 dollar bank note, the 2-dollar coin we now call the “toonie” features on its reverse an adult polar bear standing on an ice floe in early summer. This composition originated with Canadian artist Tony Bianco, who designed the first version of the reverse in 1996. The image was updated in 2010 by Canadian artist Brent Townsend. Shortly after the coin's initial launch, the bear was dubbed “Churchill” to the delight of residents of Churchill, Manitoba, where polar bears are a common sight.

About the Design:
Your coin's design features Brent Townsend's image of an adult polar bear standing on an ice floe, gazing out over the early summer Arctic landscape. The central scene is fully coloured in natural shades, including the blue water and mountains, white ice floe, and the polar bear's yellow-white coat. The reverse is also engraved with the word “CANADA” and the face value of “2 DOLLARS”. The obverseis engraved with the date “2016” and the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.