2011 Grizzly Silver Coin Second in Canadian Wildlife Series

The Royal Canadian Mint has released the 2011 Grizzly silver bullion coin, its latest issue within the Canadian Wildlife coin series.

The one-ounce .9999 fine silver bullion coin features a one-time use design with a maximum mintage of only 1,000,000. It is the second of six silver coins planned in the Wildlife program and the final 2011-dated issue.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to release the second coin in a uniquely Canadian pure silver bullion series that is sure to stand out in today’s competitive market," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Wildlife and nature are themes that resonate with buyers of Royal Canadian Mint products and we are pleased to offer bullion investors a product which exceeds expectations in terms of quality as well as design."

The popular 2011 Silver Wolf introduced the Canadian Wildlife series with its official launch on September 9 of last year. Four more species are scheduled on upcoming Wildlife silver coins — two in 2012 and the final two in 2013. All the coins will have a face value of $5.

The reverse or tails side of the 2011 Grizzly silver coin depicts a growling bear alongside water with Canadian scenery surrounding it. Inscriptions include CANADA, 9999, FINE SILVER, 1 OZ, ARGENT PUR, and the initials WW denoting the designer and Senior Mint Engraver William Woodruff.

The obverse side features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, created in 2003 by Canadian portrait artist Susanna Blunt. Inscriptions include ELIZABETH II, 5 DOLLARS and 2011.

The 2011 Grizzly silver coin will soon be available worldwide through the Royal Canadian Mint’s network of bullion dealers. The Mint has indicated that has already allocated the entire 1,000,000 mintage. The coins are priced using the same market rate as the bullion Silver Maple Leafs.

The first of the 2012 issues is expected to debut late in the year.