Each coin is this annual set features our world-exclusive specimen finish, which combines brilliant and frosted relief over a lined (matte) background. Elegantly presented in book-style packaging with a serialized certificate and a removable lens for easy viewing.

An affordable way to inspire your grandchild's coin collecting interest! Order your 6-coin specimen set today!

• ENDANGERED BEAUTY! Your 2018 specimen set shines the spotlight on an endangered species, the burrowing owl, which is known for nesting in underground burrows throughout the open prairies and grasslands.
• EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR SET! Your superb burrowing owl coin is found only as part of this set!
• ANNUAL FAVOURITE! The Royal Canadian Mint is the only mint in the world to offer such a set in our exclusive specimen finish, which combines brilliant and frosted relief over a lined specimen (matte) background.
• NATURAL ARTISTRY! Precision engraving allows for a wealth of fine details, resulting in a stunning engraved portrait of a fascinating prairie species.
• READY TO DISPLAY! Your six coins (2-dollar, 1-dollar, 50-cent, 25-cent, 10-cent and 5-cent) are elegantly presented inbook-style packaging, with a serialized certificate and a removable lens designed to enhance your enjoyment of these coins with every repeat viewing.

Canadian artist Pierre Girard captures the beauty of an endangered prairie species on your one-dollar specimen coin. Viewed from the side, the pigeon-sized burrowing owl presents a three-quarter profile that allows for close examination of its stilt-like legs and mottled plumage. Its head is turned towards the rear as the bird of prey fixes its gaze on something that lies to the right, beyond the coin's rim; this positioning provides a view ofthe bird's facial features, including the beak and large eyes that give the owl a wise and studious expression. Blades of grass rise up behind it, alluding to its nesting grounds in Canada's open prairies and grasslands, while small mounds of dirt hint at the owl's unique penchant for nesting in underground burrows. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Where open grasslands provide unobstructed views, the long-legged burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) stays close to the ground and its subterranean nest. This bespeckled summer resident of Canada's Prairie Provinces is one of our smaller-sized owls, and is beautifully featured on the reverse of the dollar coin in our 2018 Specimen Set.

The burrowing owl's short tail, stilt-likelegs and lack of ear tufts give it a different profile than most owls. Its nesting behaviour also setsit apart, for this endangered species prefers to roost and nest in underground burrows vacated by prairie dogs, foxes and ground squirrels. And while theowl's plumage allows it to blend in with its surroundings, those wise-looking yellow eyes are unmistakable as they seek out prey from a slightly elevated vantage point, whether it's a thicket, afencepost or a mound of dirt.

Your specimen set comes in elegant book-style packaging, with removable lens, that complements your beautiful coins.

Order your burrowing owl 6-coin specimen set today!

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