2011 Canada Specimen Set – Baby Elk (Special Edition)

Description

The 2011 Canada Specimen Set – Baby Elk Special Edition features a beautifully detailed two-dollar specimen coin depicting an elk calf, celebrating Canada’s iconic wildlife. Struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this specimen issue showcases enhanced detail and refined surfaces compared to circulation coins.

In early summer, elk cows give birth to a single spotted calf weighing approximately 16 kg (35 lbs). Nourished by their mother’s rich milk, calves often double their weight within the first two weeks. During this period, calves hide in dense vegetation while their mothers forage nearby. Biologists believe the calf’s white spots provide natural camouflage among forest plants.

As summer progresses, cows and calves form herds of up to 400 animals, governed by a strict social hierarchy led by a matriarch. These calves grow into powerful adults — bulls averaging 315 kg (700 lbs) and cows around 225 kg (500 lbs) — with bulls distinguished by their large antlers and dark mane.

Design Highlights

Obverse (Front): Queen Elizabeth II

• Effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

• Inscription: “ELIZABETH II · D · G · REGINA”

• Struck in specimen finish for enhanced clarity and detail

Reverse (Back): Baby Elk (Toonie)

• Depicts an elk calf in its natural environment

• Symbolizes growth, protection, and Canada’s wildlife heritage

• Exclusive 2011 wildlife-themed design

Key Features

• Special Edition Wildlife Theme: Focuses on the early life of a baby elk

• Specimen Finish: Satin-like surfaces with crisp, well-defined details

• Low Mintage: Limited to 15,000 sets

• Modern Collector Issue: A standout themed specimen from the Royal Canadian Mint

Specifications

• Country: Canada

• Mint: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

• Year: 2011

• Finish: Specimen

• Theme: Baby Elk / Canadian Wildlife

• Quantity Produced: 15,000

Material Composition (per official RCM specifications)

$2 Dollar (Toonie) – Baby Elk

• Outer Ring: 99%+ Nickel

• Inner Core:

  • 92% Copper

  • 6% Aluminum

  • 2% Nickel

Other Coins in the 2011 Specimen Set

• $1 Dollar: Nickel electroplated with bronze

• 50 Cents: Three-ply nickel finish plated steel

• 25 Cents: Three-ply nickel finish plated steel

• 10 Cents: Three-ply nickel finish plated steel

• 5 Cents: Three-ply nickel finish plated steel

• 1 Cent: Two-ply copper finish plated steel

Technical Specifications (Toonie)

• Diameter: 28.03 mm

• Weight: 7.30 g

• Edge: Interrupted serrations (alternating smooth and reeded)

Packaging

• Original Packaging: Issued in official Royal Canadian Mint specimen set packaging with themed presentation and bilingual insert.