2017 Canada 1 oz Silver $20 Nocturnal By Nature: The Barn Owl

Canada is home to a wide range of nocturnal animals, including the barn owl (Tyto alba), whose acute senses and secretive ways make it one of nature’s most efficient night-time hunters. The first-time use of black rhodium plating, one of Earth’s rarest Precious Metals, lends itself perfectly to recreating the dark night sky, yet allows the moon’s uniquely frosted finish to shine through.


Coin Highlights:

• Contains 1 oz of .9999 fine Silver.
• Comes in a mint-issued maroon clamshell box with a certificate of authenticity.
• Limited mintage of only 7,000 coins.
• Obverse: The effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse: Depicts a barn owl descending upon its prey with engraved full moon in the background.
• Guaranteed by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Add this innovative 2017 1 oz Silver Barn Owl coin to your cart today!

The reverse design by Canadian artist Jamie Desrochers features a contemporary stylized depiction of a barn owl descending upon its prey, as viewed from the ground looking up at the night sky. In the background, the creative use of black rhodium plating serves as a stunning backdrop for this night-time scene; detailed engraving re-creates the cratered surface of the full moon, which is brought to life through the use of bold frosting peering through the dark plating.

The coin’s Silver surface also lends itself beautifully to evoking the luminous quality of moonlight on the engraved owl in the foreground, which seemingly shines brighter against the dark image field. Flying on outstretched wings, the owl conveys its stealthy hunting prowess through its fixed stare, as it seems to close in on the viewer. The engraving captures much of the owl’s most distinctive features, from its characteristic heart-shaped face and sharp talons, to the spotted appearance of its wing and tail feathers.