Last updated on June 25th, 2020 at 04:15 pm
Last Updated on June 25, 2020 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint regularly releases a new series of coins for collection and circulation. Many of these feature symbols of the country, its nature, and history. In the most recent series, the Royal Canadian Mint took a trip to the depths of the ocean by releasing a coin featuring the Kraken, a mythological beast said to inhabit northern waters.
The Creatures of the North Series
Although the first coin of the series has only just been released, the Creatures of the North appears to be an exploration of legends and mythology related to Canada’s northern stretches. This subject provides some excellent materials with many cryptozoological creatures that have been allegedly sighted on the land or in the sea and sky of the region.
2020 Silver Bullion Kraken
This is the first entry in this series of a two-ounce, silver bullion coin. On the reserve is a design showing the Kraken as well as the inscriptions “Canada,” “Fine Silver 2 oz Argent Pur,” “9999” and “GG.” The numbers refer to the coin being .9999 fine silver and the double Gs are the initials of the artist, Gerald Gloade. On the obverse of the coin is Susanna Blunt’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This has been used on Canadian coinage since 2003.
The face value of the coin is $10. However, these coins are not intended for circulation or regular use. Each one is available in brilliant, uncirculated condition. With a hefty two-ounce weight and 38-millimeter diameter, this coin is huge. It is a great addition to anyone’s collection.
The Kraken
The Kraken is a legendary, squid-like sea creature that appears in Norse sagas (though not by name) as early as the 13th century. It has been featured on sea charts and described in nature catalogues. In most historical references, this creature (or creatures) was known as a dangerous being that would attack and sink ships. One of the most famous examples of this is in Alfred Tennyson’s 1830 sonnet, aptly named “The Kraken.” Many of the alleged sightings of this sea monster were in the northern seas, especially around Newfoundland and Labrador. Settlers arriving there in the 18th century reported numerous sightings. Some even claimed to have photographed it.
Today, most biologists understand the Kraken to be the real-world cephalopod called the giant squid. While these mollusks are much tamer than the legendary creature, they have been confirmed as inhabiting the water around Canada’s northern provinces. With this bullion Canada coin, the RCM celebrates the Kraken being part of the country’s popular imagination. Seafarers have been sharing their stories of this horrific monster since they first arrived in Canada’s northernmost waters. For this reason, it plays a role in the nation’s history.
Celebrating Canada With Coins
Since they were first created, coins have been a way for nations to share and commemorate their histories and cultures. Much of what historians know about ancient civilizations comes from studying their coinage. Today, things are no different. The Royal Canadian Mint continues to celebrate the country with coins. The mint regularly releases special coins to mark major events, such as the 150th anniversary of the nation or Canada’s 1972 hockey victory over Russia. Through silver dollars, medallions and bullion, Canada’s mint imprints a little piece of the country into each of its runs. With the Creatures of the North series, the RCM takes a turn toward the mythical. It is a fun piece of Canadian culture and an excellent choice for any collector.
Find the Right Coins for Your Collection
At Colonial Acres Coins, we have an extensive selection of coins for collection. Check out all our silver Canadian bullion coins, and find the perfect one for your collection. Numismatics is a fun and rewarding hobby for people of all ages. Explore the collection today.