The frigid seas of the Canadian Arctic and Canada’s north Atlantic waters are dotted with icebergs—vast freshwater mountains whose small floating peaks belie huge submerged proportions that dwarf even the largest sea animals.

Designed by Canadian artist Emily Damstra and engraved in fine detail, the reverse image presents a humpback whale cow and her calf swimming alongside an iceberg. In the foreground and to the right side of the image, the large female is viewed from the front and left, her long pectoral fins extending behind her and the knobbed skin around her large mouth rendered in dimensional detail. Behind her, swimming close to its mother’s powerful tail, is a smaller humpback calf, presented from its left side. Its body bows gracefully toward that of its mother. The massive migratory ocean mammals swim alongside an iceberg which dominates the left side of the image. Its sharp pyramidal summit floats above a stylized waterline, while most of its bulk floats below the surface.

Specifications

Model No. 127158
Mintage 225,000
Composition fine silver (99.99% pure)
Finish specimen
Weight (g) 7.96
Diameter (mm) 27
Edge serrated
Certificate not serialized
Face value 20 dollars
Artists Emily Damstra (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)