The elk stands tall on this second Animal Portraits coin.

The second coin in our Animal Portraits series brings you deep into Canada’s forests for a close-up view of Cervus canadensis, more commonly known as the elk or wapiti. With a hoof-to-shoulder height of up to 1.5 metres (or nearly 5 feet) or more, and antlers that can add an extra 110-160 centimetres, a mature elk bull (male) is one of Canada’s largest terrestrial mammals. Those antlers are on full display on this coin’s reverse, which places you right by the elk’s side in order to emphasize its heft and height.

Coin 2 of 3!

Good to know

Coin #2 of 3. The new three-coin Animal Portraits series zooms in on some of Canada’s most magnificent wildlife species, captured in an unguarded moment and in a natural setting.

The art of animal portraiture. Your coin’s reverse features a compelling wildlife portrait rendered in a classic style, complete with engraved details that create a more realistic rendering.

Selective gold plating. Each coin is selectively plated with yellow gold: all but the animal is plated on the reverse, while the rim and effigy are plated on the obverse.

Beyond boundaries. The elk on your coin’s reverse stands tall – in fact, its antlers extend beyond the framed centre portion. This helps blur the boundary between humans and the natural world, and brings you closer to this famous antlered species.

Limited mintage. Crafted in 1 oz. of 99.99% pure silver, your coin has a limited mintage of 7,500. A fun addition to any nature- or Canadiana-themed collection!

Collect the series. While all three Animal Portraits coin are available for individual purchase, a subscription guarantees a complete set and unlocks a special exclusive: a free clamshell case that ships with your first coin and holds all three coins together.
- Coin 1: Polar Bear
- Coin 2: Elk
- Coin 3: Grey Wolf
Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

No GST/HST

Did you know?

The elk is the second-largest member of the deer family (the moose is the largest), and only mature male elk have antlers, which are shed and regrown each year.

Behind closed doors

"It’s always a pleasure to sculpt animals in their Canadian habitat. This one was challenging, given that the elk is almost looking back at us so its hind quarters need to pop out of frame, but there wasn’t much relief height to work with there. But it was really fun to sculpt its mighty, branching antlers, coming out of frame."

– Eric Boyer, Senior Engraver

About the design

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.

Set against a gold-plated field, the reverse design by artist Trevor Tennant features a close-up view of the elk or wapiti (Cervus canadensis), standing along a river in its forest habitat (seen in the gold-plated background). In order to convey its size, the mature bull (male) is positioned on the outer portion next to the words “CANADA” and “2025”, its tall antlers extending past the framed centre. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Product # 246152

$20 Fine Silver Coin - Animal Portraits: Elk (2025)