SPECIES PORTRAIT
The first portrait turns a ram’s horn into the series’ opening frame.
Issue 1 establishes the close-cropped head study and the ¾ oz reverse-proof silver format.
Issue 1 / 9
ANIMAL PORTRAIT · SILVER BULLION
Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis
The first portrait turns a ram’s horn into the series’ opening frame.
- Issue year
- 2017
- Fine weight
- ¾ oz
- Product no.
- —
CANADA RANGE & HABITAT
Rocky grasslands and alpine meadows
Bighorn sheep move seasonally between low grassy slopes and alpine meadows. Open winter range keeps forage available and leaves sight lines toward nearby cliffs.
REVERSE DESIGN
Reading the Bighorn Sheep reverse
The ram is cropped at the shoulder and turned slightly toward the viewer. Its near horn becomes a broad spiral; fine incisions separate growth rings from the smoother cheek and muzzle.
WHY THIS SPECIES
What the Mint says
No selection explanation from the Mint is attributed here.
DESIGN & ENGRAVING
Denis Mayer Jr.
The reverse carries Denis Mayer Jr.’s DM initials. Susanna Blunt designed the shared obverse portrait.
OBVERSE
Elizabeth II
Susanna Blunt’s uncrowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II faces right. The legend and two-dollar denomination encircle the portrait.
RELEASE / MINTAGE
2017
The 2017 Bighorn Sheep is the first observed issue. No Mint final mintage or fixed issue limit is attributed here.
SERIES PLACEMENT
01 / 09
Issue 1 establishes the close-cropped head study and the ¾ oz reverse-proof silver format.
SPECIFICATIONS
2017 Bighorn Sheep
- Issuer
- Royal Canadian Mint
- Composition
- Silver, .9999 fine
- Fine weight
- ¾ troy oz
- Recorded weight
- 23.33 g
- Diameter
- 38 mm
- Face value
- CAD $2
- Edge
- Serrated
- Finish
- Reverse proof
ISSUE SOURCES
2017 Bighorn Sheep
Coin references and species references are listed separately so release facts, design observation and natural history remain distinct.
- Numista — 2017 Bighorn SheepAccessed 24 Aug 2026
- JM Bullion — 2017 Bighorn SheepAccessed 24 Aug 2026
- Parks Canada — Bighorn SheepAccessed 24 Aug 2026