2020 Canada: 10 Dollars - Kraken (Creatures of the North)
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality
Coin Description
This spectacular 2 oz pure silver coin was issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2020. It marks the first chapter of the "Creatures of the North" series, a collection dedicated to the legends and fantastic creatures that shaped the imagination of early Canadian explorers and settlers. This series explores rich Canadian folklore by bringing to life the legendary monsters that have haunted the country's waters and lands for centuries.
The reverse design is by artist Gerald Gloade, who captured all the terrifying power and mystery of this mythical creature of the deep.
Technical Specifications
Obverse
The obverse features the official portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt in 2003. This fourth portrait of the Queen to appear on Canadian coins is the first of her reign to depict her without a crown. The legend includes "ELIZABETH II", the year "2020", "D·G·REGINA" (Dei Gratia Regina) and the face value "10 DOLLARS".
Reverse
The reverse, a work by Gerald Gloade, depicts the Kraken in all its fury. The massive, tentacled arms of the beast emerge from the raging ocean, wrapping around an 18th-century fishing vessel and tearing it apart. The creature's single, fiery eye dominates the scene, evoking tales of terrified sailors.
The coin incorporates the Royal Canadian Mint's advanced security features:
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Precise radial lines on the background, creating a light diffraction pattern.
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Micro-engraved maple leaf with the number "20", visible only under magnification.
Inscriptions include "CANADA", "FINE SILVER 2 OZ ARGENT PUR", and the purity "9999". The designer's initials "GG" appear at the bottom of the design.
Historical Context
The legend of the Kraken originates in Scandinavian mythology, where the creature, often described as a giant squid or octopus, was feared by sailors in the North Atlantic. In Canada, the deep, mysterious waters of the Atlantic, particularly off the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador, fed the imagination of fishermen and explorers. The Kraken has thus become an emblematic figure of Canadian maritime folklore, symbolizing the devastating power and unfathomable dangers of the ocean.
BU Quality
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins feature a sharp strike, original luster, and surfaces free of circulation marks. This first 2 oz issue of the "Creatures of the North" series is a must-have addition for any investor or collector attracted to mythological themes and Canadian folklore.
