The Royal Canadian Mint has released a special new coin depicting one of BC-based artist Robert Bateman’s most iconic works.
The new two-ounce fine silver coin shows Bateman’s Mustang Country, one of the most recognizable Canadian artworks.
The scene on the coin is set in the prairie grasslands, showing the lead stallion of the mustang herd going for a morning drink at a slough, where it is reflected in the still body of water.
Along with the engraved rendition of Mustang Country, the coin includes the text “CANADA 2025”, the denomination of “30 DOLLARS” and an engraved reproduction of Bateman’s signature.
Although the coin’s face value is $30, it is selling on the Royal Canadian Mint website for $249.95.
Bateman, now 94-years-old, still resides and paints on Salt Spring Island.
The artist is an avid environmentalist and wants nothing more than for everybody to feel connected to nature the way he is.
“My interest in human heritage is only surpassed by my lifelong fascination with natural heritage,” said Bateman of his painting.
“The history of mustangs goes back to the days of the Spanish conquistadors who introduced the horse to North America. The First Nations of the Great Plains such as the Blackfoot and Sioux used these early horses to totally transform their lifestyles. They could hunt bison, go on the warpath or move their communities using these animals. The railway and European settlers ended that world forever.”
He added that there are still remnant populations of those first original mustangs living in remote parts of North America, but those pockets of wildness are now being threatened by expansion of human population and development.
The “heads” side of the coin shows the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, which was done by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
