Found in Canadian province and Territory except Yukon and Nunavut, the leopard frog is aptly named for the irregularly shaped black spots that dot its brown, greenish-brown, or green skin. It lives in a variety of habitats including wetlands in prairies and woodlands in summer for feeding. In the fall it usually moves to ponds, streams, and rivers which do not freeze to the bottom. In the spring it emerges to seek out ponds and marshes for breeding. It is there that the tadpoles will develop.

The leopard frog consumes nearly any animal that fits in its mouth, be it insects, worms, smaller frogs and even birds or garter snakes. The hunter becomes the hunted if it encounters predators such as fish, water snakes, turtles, herons, raccoons or even larger frogs.

These freshwater perennials are remarkable plants. At the surface, their buoyant evergreen leaves form a canopy that become resting places for dragonflies, beetles and even small turtles. Nine species are native to Canada, including the widespread yellow pond lily. Often dotted with a large, fragrant blossom that opens in the morning sun and closes in the afternoon, these plants are anchored to the muddy lakebed by a long stalk. A glimpse underneath these lily pads reveals a wealth of wildlife competing for cover, making these plants essential to their aquatic ecosystems.

Design
This 25-cent coloured cupronickel coin measures 35 millimetres and features a reverse image designed by Canadian artist Maurice Gervais. Vibrant colouring capture the yellow pond lily (Nuphar variegatum) in full bloom, its outer cup-shaped petals opened to reveal a dazzling circular pattern of stamens cradled inside. The flower occupies the left side of the image field while a bright green pad fills much of the centre and right side. On this pad is a beautiful rendition of a leopard frog, which is set apart by its distinctive black spots and colouring.

Packaging
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-maroon box with black beauty box accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

• Model No.                 129871
• Mintage                     17,500
• Composition             Cupronickel
• Finish                        Specimen with colour
• Diameter (mm)          35
• Edge                          plain
• Certificate                 serialized
• Face value                25 cents
• Artist                         Maurice Gervais (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)