New silver coin «The Caribou» has been minted by Canada in Novemder 2013.

The woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is the only member of the deer family in which females also grow antlers. Biologists believe it may be due to the intense competition caribou face digging for lichen and other plants. Antlers are grown and shed annually, but pregnant females will lose their antlers later than males, possibly to gain an added reservoir of calcium for their gestating calves.

Caribou live in Canada’s most isolated regions beyond the 49th parallel. They are categorized into three ecotypes based on specific behaviours and adaptations they have developed by living in different habitats. The tundra ecotype reigns as the farthest-travelling land migrant on earth, spending winter in the boreal forest and moving to the tundra north of the 55th parallel in summer to calve—an astounding roundtrip of 6,000 km per year that perfectly illustrates the vastness that is Canada.

Special features:
  •   Your coin is an exquisite portrait of one of Canada’s most intriguing wilderness residents.
  •   Your coin features colour over engraving in warm, natural tones. The valley and mountains in the background are depicted in natural, shining fine silver.
  •   Expertly depicted by wildlife artist Trevor Tennant.

Design:
Your coin was designed by Canadian artist Trevor Tennant and features a full colour caribou set in an engraved mountain landscape.

Face value: 20 dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 31,39 g
Diameter: 38 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 10 000 pcs