Bold. Powerful. Magnificent. Canada’s largest bird of prey, the bald eagle, has a commanding presence wherever it appears, whether in solitary flight or perched in the tallest trees. The classic wildlife portrait on the reverse is imbued with a sense of reverence for this imposing hunter and spiritual animal, which has long symbolized power and wisdom in the wild.
The reverse image by Tony Bianco offers a life-like representation of a convocation of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at a communal roost site. A profile view allows for a close examination of the eagle’s distinctive features and famous plumage, with all three raptors fixing their piercing gazes on something that lies just beyond the reverse. In a show of authority, two of the stately birds have turned their heads to glare at the possible intruder, while the sharp, hooked beak of the uppermost eagle is open to suggest a high-pitched warning has been issued. The reverse also includes the engraved word “CANADA” and the year “2018”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
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