The Royal Canadian Mint and Talisman Coins are proud to present the second in the ongoing and extremely popular Pure Gold Birds of Prey Program, the osprey. The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the sea hawk, fish eagle, or fish hawk, is a large, fish-eating bird of prey or raptor. The image by Canadian wildlife artist Arnold Nogy features a side profile portrait of the magnificent osprey. A brisk wind ruffles its white and brown plumage, which is rendered in dimensional detail by intricate engraving. The breeze does little to divert this raptor’s fixed gaze, as its yellow eyes intently survey the surrounding landscape from high atop its perch. The bird of prey’s closed bill showcases its sharp downward curve, which only adds to the osprey’s austere expression.

The osprey's feet are also perfectly designed for fishing. Its outer toe can turn forwards or back to grab hold of a slippery fish. What's more, the soles of its feet are covered with barbs (spicules) to maximize their grip. The osprey is a fascinating bird that is likely to be found wherever there's an abundance of fish–keep an eye out the next time you're exploring Canada's shores and waterways!

Obverse: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in profile facing right. This portrait, the fourth effigy of the queen to appear on Canadian Coinage, was executed by the artist Susanna Blunt. The legend reads ELIZABETH II D. G. REGINA ("Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God").

Reverse: Coin was designed by Canadian artist Arnold Nogy and features a side profile portrait of the magnificent osprey. A brisk wind ruffles its white and brown plumage, which is rendered in dimensional detail by the coin's intricate engraving. The breeze does little to divert this raptor's fixed gaze, as its yellow eyes intently survey the surrounding landscape from high atop its perch. The bird of prey's closed bill showcases its sharp downward curve, which only adds to the osprey's austere expression.

The coin is encapsulated inside a burgundy leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and protected by a black outer sleeve. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.