Specimen Set – Barn Owl (...
Specimen Set – Barn Owl (2026)
Specimen Set – Barn Owl (2026)
About
A symbol of stillness: The barn owl is our 2026 Conservation Story.
The barn owl is one of the most widely distributed bird species in the world, but in Canada, its future is far from secure. Restricted to southwestern regions of British Columbia and Ontario, where winters are milder, Canada’s barn owls face significant threats from road mortality, climate change and habitat loss—in fact, the smaller, endangered Eastern population is estimated at possibly fewer than a handful of breeding pairs.
The pale owl with the heart-shaped face is the featured star of the 2026 Specimen Dollar, which serves as both tribute and testament. It is a celebration of the barn owl’s ghostly elegance, and a hopeful reminder that with care, habitat protection and conservation, the barn owl can continue to grace our landscapes and stir twilight with its silent flight.
Highlighting the plight of the barn owl.
Special features
- Seventh in the series. The seventh specimen set in a series raising awareness of wildlife conservation and species recovery efforts in Canada.
- A world exclusive. The annual Specimen Set continues to be one of our most popular sets—in fact, we are the only mint that issues an annual set of coins in a specimen finish (brilliant/frosted relief against a lined background).
- For nature and wildlife lovers. Inspire a love of coin collecting with this affordable set! With its educational theme and special dollar, it makes a great gift for animal lovers of all ages, and the perfect starter set for any new collector.
- Limited supply. Only 30,000 sets are available worldwide.
- Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
Packaging
Your specimen set comes in elegant book-style packaging, with a removable lens that allows for easy viewing of your coins.
Features
A set exclusive
Exclusive to this set (and not available for individual purchase), this set’s Specimen Dollar highlights the plight of Canada’s declining barn owl population and the importance of wildlife habitat protection.
Packaged for easy viewing
All six denominations of Canadian circulation coinage—from the five-cent to the $2 coin, and even the 50-cent piece—are represented in this set. Your coins are presented side-by-side in elegant book-style packaging designed to further enhance your enjoyment of this set.
Specifications
Design & Artist
Reverse
Pierre Girard
Obverse
Steven Rosati
The reverse of the set-exclusive Specimen Dollar is by Canadian artist Pierre Girard, whose design highlights the majestic features of the barn owl (Tyto alba). Considered an endangered species both federally and provincially in Ontario, the nocturnal raptor is shown perched on an oak branch that provides an elevated vantage point. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
Reviews
Questions
What do you want to know about this product?
