For Canadians who appreciate both precious metals and the country’s natural heritage, few bullion collections capture that connection better than The Royal Canadian Mint Silver Wildlife Series. Released between 2011 and 2013, this six-coin series quickly became one of the Mint’s most popular silver bullion sets, combining investment-grade silver with detailed designs celebrating iconic Canadian wildlife.
Struck in 99.99% pure silver and produced in limited mintages compared to standard bullion issues, these coins offer a unique combination of silver value, collectibility, and Canadian heritage.
A Distinctly Canadian Silver Bullion Series
The Silver Wildlife Series was first issued by The Royal Canadian Mint in 2011, combining the trusted silver purity of the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf with wildlife-themed designs showcasing some of Canada’s most iconic animals.
Each coin in the series features:
- 99.99% pure silver
- 1 troy ounce (31.11 g)
- $5 CAD face value
- Uncirculated finish
- Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II
With a mintage of only 1 million coins per design, the Wildlife Series was produced in much smaller quantities than standard Silver Maple Leafs. That limited production helped fuel collector demand both in Canada and internationally.
The Six Coins of the Silver Wildlife Series
Timber Wolf (2011)
The first release in the series featured the powerful Timber Wolf, designed by engraver William Woodruff. Wolves are a symbol of Canada’s vast and untamed wilderness and are found across northern Ontario, Québec, British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon.
They roam forests, tundra, and remote mountain regions, making them well adapted to Canada’s northern and wilderness environments. Known for their intelligence, teamwork, and haunting calls, they remain one of the country’s most recognizable predators and an important part of Canada’s natural ecosystems.
Grizzly Bear (2011)
Also released in 2011, the Grizzly Bear coin highlights the rugged landscapes of Western Canada. Another design by William Woodruff, grizzlies are primarily found in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.
They prefer mountain ranges and dense forest regions and are among Canada’s largest land predators. The grizzly plays an important ecological role in Western Canada and represents strength, resilience, and the wild beauty of the country’s landscapes.
Cougar (2012)
The 2012 Cougar coin, engraved by José Osio, captures one of Canada’s most elusive predators. Cougars are found mainly in British Columbia and parts of Alberta, where they inhabit forests and mountainous terrain.
Rarely seen in the wild due to their stealth and solitary nature, they are known for their agility and adaptability. As highly capable hunters and an important part of Canada’s wildlife population, cougars reflect the more remote and less visible side of the country’s ecosystems.
Moose (2012)
Few animals are more closely associated with Canada than the moose. This 2012 release, again designed by William Woodruff, features one of the country’s most iconic species.
Moose inhabit forests and wetlands across Ontario, Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and the Maritime provinces. Recognized for their massive antlers and towering size, they are deeply connected to Canada’s outdoor culture and natural identity, and are often seen as a defining symbol of the Canadian wilderness.
Pronghorn Antelope (2013)
The Pronghorn Antelope coin, released in 2013 and designed by Emily S. Damstra, introduced collectors to the wildlife of Canada’s prairie regions. Despite the name, pronghorn have no relation to antelopes and are found primarily in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
They roam open grasslands and plains and are famous for being the fastest land animal in North America, built for speed and endurance across wide open landscapes. This species highlights the diversity of Canadian wildlife beyond forests and mountains and is a distinctive part of the prairie ecosystem.
Wood Bison (2013)
The final coin in the series featured the Wood Bison, another design by Emily S. Damstra. Wood bison reflect the strength and resilience of Canada’s northern wildlife and are found mainly in northern Alberta, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia.
They inhabit boreal forests and grasslands and were once nearly extinct, but conservation efforts helped restore their populations. Today, they are an important symbol of Canada’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and remain one of the most significant large mammals in the country’s north.
Why Collectors and Investors Still Love the Wildlife Series
More than a decade after its release, The Royal Canadian Mint Silver Wildlife Series continues to attract interest. Part of that appeal comes from the balance between bullion value and collectible potential.
For Canadian collectors, the series carries a strong sense of national identity. Each release showcases a different region and ecosystem across the country, from the forests of Ontario and Québec to the plains of Saskatchewan and the northern wilderness of Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
The Wildlife Series also helped pave the way for future special-edition bullion releases from The Royal Canadian Mint, reinforcing Canada’s reputation for producing some of the finest silver bullion coins in the world.
Buy and Sell Silver Wildlife Coins at Canada Gold
Whether you are building a silver bullion portfolio, completing a collection, or looking to sell silver coins, Canada Gold can help.
We regularly buy and sell silver bullion products, including Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins and specialty releases from The Royal Canadian Mint. Our team can also evaluate silver coins, jewellery, silverware, and other precious metal items based on current market prices.
Visit your nearest Canada Gold location to explore our selection of silver bullion products, or check our current silver prices online, updated regularly during market hours.
