The Royal Canadian Mint has introduced a 2-ounce .9999 fine silver bullion coin with a face value of $10, a 10-ounce .9999 fine silver bullion coin with a face value of $50 and a quarter-ounce .9999 fine gold bullion coin (face value not disclosed), dedicated to Orca whales or Killer Whales. These new coins will be exclusively distributed by Lear Capital.

The reverse side of the coin features an orca in the sea while the obverse side depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Susanna Blunt. The 2-ounce silver coin, 10-ounce silver coin and the quarter-ounce gold coin can be purchased for $56.69, $275.96 and $593, respectively. The coins don’t have a mintage limit. However, they will be produced only for one year and will be available for a limited period.

Killer whales are the largest members of the oceanic dolphin family. Some feed on fish, others on seals, dolphins etc. They are found in many parts of the world except the Baltic and Black seas, and some parts of the Arctic Ocean. Some of these social whales belong to matrilineal family groups which are extremely stable. Each group has unique hunting techniques and vocal behaviours which are passed on to the next generations. Some of these specific groups have been endangered due to loss of habitat and increase in pollution, marine mammal parks, and human fisheries. They have also been a part of several mythological stories as friends as well as killers. In reality, they don’t generally attack or harm humans.

Image Courtesy: The Royal Canadian Mint