2012 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada #9: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Coloured Coin

2012 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada #9: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Coloured Coin

In the first summery days of late May, Pheucticus ludovicianus announces its arrival. The medium-build bird, about 20 centimetres (8 in) long, black-headed, bright pink triangle on its white breast, darts about, crooning its happy opera as it establishes its territory.

These lovely minstrels have travelled a long way: they winter in central Mexico and northern South America, then fly back to their Canadian forest home when the days get longer. Once they have completed the long journey back home to the heavily wooded second-growth deciduous and mixed forests from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, the bright-breasted male and brown-striped female mating pairs quickly build to their fragile-seeming nests, preferring the nooks and crooks of the maple tree. They feed primarily on insects among the treetops but also eat seeds, buds, and fruit. In late August, when days get shorter, these grosbeaks will begin the journey south again.

This songbird is part of the Cardinalidae family. Males are noted for their bold black, white, and bright pink colouring. Females have a distinctive white 'eyebrow' and double stripe on their wings and are often mistaken for large sparrows. Both male and female have thick, light-coloured bills.

Features

• The 9th coin in the Birds of Canada series. Stunning colour applied to engraved design.
• Limited to 20,000 coins worldwide.
• Birds are a popular theme that come alive in vibrant colour on this extra-large 25-cent coin. It measures a full 35 mm across its diameter - plenty of space to showcase its endearing detailed design. 
• Colour combined with this coin’s specimen finish creates a unique keepsake and features a coloured picture of the bird on the certificate.
• Makes an ideal gift for bird lovers and children.

Design

This coloured and engraved coin showcases a bright-chested male Rose-breasted Grosbeak perched delicately on the stem of a maple tree.

Packaging

2012 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Coloured Coin comes encapsulated and presented in a maroon flock-lined clamshell case and is protected by a black sleeve and accompanied by a serialized Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: 20,000
Composition: Cupronickel
Weight (g): 25
Diameter (mm): 35
Finish: Specimen