3/4 oz 2026 Clan Animals: Sandhill Crane Colourized Proof Silver Coin | Royal Canadian Mint

The first of the Clan Animals honouring the Anishinabek teachings.

The Sandhill Crane stands tall among the reeds, a poised sentinel who serves as the guiding voice of the Anishinabek. The air often trembles with its trumpeting call—a sound that has, since time immemorial, summoned gatherings and affirmed connection between people.

Coin #1 reflects the poise and authority of Ajijaak, a living emblem of guidance and collective purpose. Revered as one of the core clans of the Anishinabek, Ajijaak carries the weight of leadership and wisdom, and the power to reach beyond the horizon.

Honouring Ajijaak, the emblem of leadership and connection.

COIN HIGHLIGHTS

• First in a new series. The three-coin Clan Animals series celebrates clan animals central to Anishinabek identity and teachings. Each work reflects their enduring role as spiritual guides and living links between the Anishinabek and the animal world.
• First RCM collaboration with artist Mark Nadjiwan. The RCM is proud to feature the work of Mark Nadjiwan in this three-coin series—his first collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mint. Mark is a member of Neyaashiinigmiing Unceded First Nation near Owen Sound, Ontario, part of the Anishinabek Nation. His striking pen-and-ink style, inspired by the Woodland tradition, is recognized across Canada and internationally. Through his unique artistic voice, Mark brings powerful cultural storytelling to life, and the Royal Canadian Mint is honoured to showcase his work in this meaningful series
• Limited mintage. Crafted in ¾ oz. of 99.99% pure silver with a limited mintage of 10,000.
• Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
• No GST/HST.

PACKAGING

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.

ENHANCED WITH COLOUR

A sleek, contemporary palette pairs bold, elemental forms—like the sun and the top of the Sandhill Crane’s head, rendered here in striking red—with the understated elegance of soft earth tones.

DID YOU KNOW?

Among the Anishinabek, Ajijaak (the Crane) is a principal Chieftain clan, known for its powerful call and role as a communicator—traits that inspired its sacred status and storytelling legacy. It’s also the clan to which artist Mark Nadjiwan belongs, reflecting deep cultural roots in his work.

Designed by Anishinaabe artist Mark V. Nadjiwan, the coin’s reverse shows a red sun in the morning sky, with an additional touch of red colour on the top of the Sandhill Crane’s head. Ajijaak (the Crane) stands poised among the cattails, wings unfurled as if ready to lift its call across the land. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT

The Royal Canadian Mint is known as one of the most reputable mints in the world. The Ottawa Branch of the Royal Mint opened in 1908 and was renamed The Royal Canadian Mint in 1931 when control was transferred to the Canadian government. Their high standards for excellence and quality allowed them to be the first refinery to manufacture 9999 fine gold bullion coins in 1982, as well as the first to reach 99999 fine gold purity in 1998.