2013 Arctic Fox Silver Coin | Royal Canadian Mint

Just slightly larger than the average housecat, Vulpes lagopus—the Arctic fox—is a silent and prolific hunter. The pelt of the Arctic fox is unmatched for warmth, sustaining it at temperatures below -50° Celsius. Its fur is brown, grey-brown, blue-grey, or dark blue-grey in the warmer months. In the long Arctic winter, most turn pure white, although some populations show lighter blue-grey through the winter phase. The fox's thick fur covers its small rounded ears and even the pads of its feet, for optimum warmth.

Always curious, always clever, the Arctic fox in an avant-garde design.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ships in a plastic flip sleeve without certificate
• Consisting of 0.9 oz 9999 Fine Silver
• This coin has a rare 40mm diameter
• Obverse: Features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Susanna Blunt
• Reverse: Features a woodblock inspired design of an Arctic fox in front of the symbolic elements of its natural Canadian habitat designed by Tivadar Bote along with the issuing country, year of issue, and legal tender value
• This was the first coin issued for the Royal Canadian Mint’s “Untamed Canada” series

The fox sits serenely in the foreground of the image, looking toward the left side of the field, its thick fur, fluffy tail, small ears, and dog-like facial features beautifully rendered in stylized detail. In the background, motifs of circles, droplets, and wavy rays rise from the image of a circular sunburst positioned directly behind the fox. The circles and droplets symbolize the snow and light that are fundamental elements in the world of the Arctic fox. The wavy rays allude to the warmth and brilliance of the sun, even in the Arctic landscape. The circularity of these elements echoes the circular field of the coin and hints at the cyclical nature of the Arctic fox's lifecycle. The outer frame is engraved with the species' Latin name, "Vulpes lagopus," the word "CANADA," the date "2013," and the face value of "20 DOLLARS."