2013 5 O Canada: Orca Pure Gold Coin

The orca is one of the planet's most uniquely social mammals. Only elephants and higher primates have societies that are as complex and robust as that of the orca. This marine mammal's social structure, which some researchers refer to as a "culture," reveals familial bonds, modes of communication, hunting habits and other practices that are passed on for generations.

Your coin was designed by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc and portrays a three-quarter profile portrait of an orca emerging from the water, seeming to gaze at the viewer with the curiosity of a wise and intelligent species. Its two pectoral fins jut forward, helping the orca keep its large head above water. Around it rise whitecapped waves of splashing water. In the background, we see the tall, straight dorsal of a mature male, curved large dorsal of a female, and small curved dorsal of an orca calf in the distant waters—members, no doubt, of this beautiful animal's family group or pod. In the distance, the shoreline of Canada's Northwest Pacific coast is visible, with its rugged outcroppings and tall evergreens. The reverse image is framed with a border engraved with the word "CANADA," the date "2013," the face value of "5 DOLLARS," and a stylized orca tail fin. 

• Mintage: 4,000
• Weight: 1/10 oz pure gold

Includes: 
• 2013 $5 Orca Pure Gold 1/10 Ounce Coin