The Royal Canadian Mint has released five new coins representing five endemic creatures which can only be found in Canada. Designed by artist Joel Kimmel, the new coins are apart of a new series called Canada's Wildlife Treasures.

This set of coins features five creatures connected with Canadian wildlife ranging from a big bear to a button-sized butterfly. This series includes Johansen’s Sulphur (Colias johanseni butterfly), Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi), Copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) and Kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei).

This series is brought to life with the aim of helping the Canadian largest zoo, Toronto Zoo, in its efforts to fight wildlife extinction and inspire Canadians to protect the natural environment. These all-Canadian wildlife treasures are tucked inside a colorful folder that opens up like a magazine spread.

The obverse of all five coins displays an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, along with the monetary denomination, 50 cents. The reverse features an engraved designed picture of the endemic creature, along with the year of issue, 2019.

These coins are struck in three-ply nickel plated steel, with a maximum mintage of only 100,000 pieces.

It's worth noting that Canada has about 286 endemic species, including various insects, such as flies, bees, ants, beetles, and grasshoppers, but also spiders, slugs, and snails. While many of these invertebrates might be overlooked and not considered as charismatic as a large mammal, like a bear, they still provide critical ecosystem services needed by all life on Earth. Others, such as butterflies, are good at capturing attention.

Source: Royal Canadian Mint