2013 Wood Bison Silver Bullion Coin Last in Canadian Wildlife Series

A popular bullion coin series comes to an end with the Royal Canadian Mint’s recent release of the 2013 Wood Bison silver bullion coin.

This strike marks the last of six silver coins issued under the Canadian Wildlife series. Each coin is in one ounce of 99.99% pure silver, features a legal tender face value of $5 and comes from the Mint’s Ottawa facility.

Like past releases, it has a one million mintage. These previous Canadian Wildlife series issues include the 2011-dated wolf and grizzly silver coins, the 2012-dated cougar and moose silver coins and the 2013 pronghorn antelope coin.

Shown on the reverse of the newest bullion coin is a design depicting a Canadian Wood Bison.

"As a majestic example of Canada’s abundant wildlife, as well as a great conservation success story, the uniquely Canadian Wood bison is a fine ambassador for a bullion coin program which has made the Mint stand out once again for innovation and quality," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.

The wood bison is a subspecies of the American bison. Often also known as a mountain bison. Nearly extinct by the early 20th century, conservation efforts have proven effective with some 10,000 now in the wild of Canada.

Silver Bullion Coin Designs and Specifications

Reverses of the silver bullion coin depict a wood bison galloping in a stream with a wooded region in the background. Canadian artist Emily Damstra is responsible for the design, which also includes the inscriptions CANADA, 9999, FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR and the initials ED for the designer.

Obverses feature Susanna Blunt’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with surrounding inscriptions ELIZABETH II and 2013.

Coin specifications include a diameter of 38 mm, a weight of 31.10 grams and a thickness of 3.15 mm.

Bullion products such as this Wood Bison Silver Bullion Coin are not sold directly to the public by the Royal Canadian Mint. Instead, the Mint sells them through a network of bullion dealers at market rates close to the current trading price of the precious metals they contain.