2011 50C Orca Whale Pure Gold Coin

This is one in a series of four coins designed by Canadian aboriginal artist Corrine Hunt, designer of the gold, silver and bronze medals produced by the Royal Canadian Mint for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Other coins available in this series include the wood bison, peregrine falcon and the boreal forest.

Canada's environment is central to the country's cultural life; Canadians' interaction with their environment has proved a potent source of creative inspiration for centuries. Arguably the most well-known representations of orcas have been derived from their intimate place in the traditions and culture of west coast First Nations communities including the Haida, Tlingit and Kwakwaka'wakw.

Orcas, the largest members of the dolphin family, are among the cleverest mammals on earth; they hunt fish, seals, squid, turtles, birds and other whales, in pods of up to three dozen individuals. Orcas possess an ability shared with few other members of the animal kingdom: they can learn new things during their lifetimes and pass these teachings on to the next generation.

Despite their power and intelligence, these creatures remain susceptible to encroachment on their habitat, pollution levels in the oceans, and even the consistent presence of sound, which disturb their ability to communicate.

While the distinctive colour patterns, intelligence, sociability and playfulness (particularly its spectacular leaps) of orcas long ago established them as Canadian icons, their vulnerability to our actions should serve as a reminder of Canadians' roles as the stewards of their surroundings.

• Diameter: 13.92 mm
• Weight: 1.27 g .9999 fine gold

Includes:
• 2011 50C Orca Whale Pure Gold Coin