2016 1.5 oz Canadian Snow Falcon Silver Coin

Along the icy rim of the Canadian Arctic, where the wind sweeps over snow-clad tundra and ancient cliffs, the white falcon—known more formally as the gyrfalcon—hunts with a silent precision honed over millennia. Rooted in Indigenous legend and feared by prey across the northern skies, the snow falcon embodies the untamed spirit of one of Earth’s most formidable environments. With hunting techniques more cunning than the swoop of an eagle, this bird is revered in Inuit culture as a symbol of resilience and vision, capable of navigating the most unforgiving landscapes.

The Royal Canadian Mint’s 2016 release immortalizes this avian sovereign, celebrating not only its biological prowess but its cultural imprint upon Canada’s identity. The snow falcon’s power and speed, matched by few in the avian world, have long inspired both folklore and falconers—a relationship stretching back to medieval Europe and the high Arctic’s first peoples. Here, the bird is more than wildlife; it is a living emblem of adaptation and survival, an ambassador for the stark beauty that defines the North.

This commemorative coin arrives as the fourth chapter in the Mint’s celebrated 1.5 oz Canadian Arctic Wildlife series, each edition focusing on emblematic fauna of the northern expanse. The snow falcon joins a lineage that includes the arctic fox and polar bear, each subject selected for its role in the fragile yet enduring arctic ecosystem. The series, cherished by collectors worldwide, pays tribute to both the creatures and the land that shape Canada’s ecological narrative.

The artistry behind the 2016 snow falcon release does more than capture physical likeness; it conveys the essence of flight, freedom, and predation. Coins like this one serve as miniature archives, preserving stories that span indigenous legend, European heraldry, and modern conservation movements. In acquiring such a piece, collectors do not merely hold metal—they inherit a legacy.

With the expertise of the Royal Canadian Mint, celebrated for its technological innovation and exacting standards, numismatists receive more than a snapshot in silver. They are granted entry to a narrative that flies, swoops, and endures—just as the snow falcon endures—across history and horizon.

Design Features

• Obverse: The obverse presents Susanna Blunt’s acclaimed right-profile portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, an effigy introduced in 2003. Surrounding the regal likeness are inscriptions denoting “ELIZABETH II,” the face value of 8 dollars, and “D.G. REGINA,” affirming her title as Queen by the Grace of God. The background is accentuated with precision-machined radial lines, a subtle security feature unique to the Mint’s craftsmanship, lending both aesthetic depth and anti-counterfeiting assurance.
• Reverse: The reverse captures the snow falcon in mid-flight, wings poised in a dynamic display of aerial mastery. This lifelike rendering emphasizes the falcon’s characteristic wing shape—engineered by evolution for incredible speed. Nestled among the naturalistic detail, a micro-engraved maple leaf privy mark, containing the year of issue, anchors the coin’s authenticity. Further inscriptions denote “CANADA,” the year “2016,” “FINE SILVER 1 1/2 OZ ARGENT PUR,” and “9999,” while concentric radial lines echo arctic winds, heightening the sense of movement and security.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9999
• Weight: 1.5 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: The effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, sculpted by Susanna Blunt, with radial lines and an $8 denomination.
• Reverse: A dynamic depiction of a snow falcon in flight, backed by arctic-inspired radial lines and a micro-engraved maple leaf privy mark.

Investment Appeal

The 2016 1.5 oz Canadian Snow Falcon Silver Coin stands out for both its numismatic and investment credentials. With 1.5 troy ounces of .9999 fine silver, its substantial thickness and purity set it apart from standard bullion issues. The globally respected Royal Canadian Mint guarantees both quality and authenticity, bolstered by the coin’s advanced security features such as radial lines and the innovative maple leaf privy mark. Its eligibility for precious metals IRAs adds financial versatility, while the unique denomination, limited annual mintage, and celebrated wildlife theme sustain collector demand and liquidity. For those seeking a blend of artistry, silver content, and enduring market appeal, this Snow Falcon coin soars above the ordinary as a keystone addition to any well-curated portfolio.