Star Charts: Wounded Bear – 2015 $25 Glow-in-the-Dark

Description

The Star Charts: The Wounded Bear coin is the second release in the Royal Canadian Mint’s visually striking Star Charts series, which brings ancient First Nations sky legends to life through innovative glow-in-the-dark technology. This 2015 $25 fine silver coin tells the powerful Indigenous story behind the Big Dipper, portraying the moment when three hunters wound the Great Bear—an event said to explain why leaves turn red in autumn.

Struck in 99.99% pure silver and enhanced with vivid colour and luminescent elements, this coin transforms under low light, revealing glowing stars that trace the hunters’ pursuit across the night sky. With a limited mintage of 7,500 coins worldwide, this issue combines cultural storytelling, modern minting innovation, and premium silver craftsmanship. As a pure silver coin, it is GST/HST exempt.

Special Features

• Second issue in the Star Charts four-coin series

• Glow-in-the-dark technology reveals the Big Dipper constellation

• Struck in 99.99% pure silver, just over 1 oz

• Selective colour combined with natural silver “star” highlights

• Glow-in-the-dark packaging completes the Big Dipper when all series coins are aligned

• Limited mintage of 7,500 coins worldwide

• Includes serialized certificate of authenticity

• GST/HST exempt

Design

The reverse design by Western Ojibwa artist Cyril Assiniboine depicts a dramatic moment in the legend: three hunters preparing to strike the Great Bear as it seeks refuge in a cave beneath a star-filled sky. The hunters are shown in traditional Saulteaux regalia, complete with ceremonial face paint, weaponry, and a shield adorned with a bear claw motif.

Seven stars glow in the dark to form the Big Dipper, with four rendered in pure silver and three illuminated to represent the pursuing hunters. This layered approach creates a striking visual contrast between daylight brilliance and nighttime transformation.

The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt, along with the denomination and year of issue.

Packaging

The coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint maroon clamshell, housed within a graphic glow-in-the-dark beauty box. A serialized certificate of authenticity is included.

Specifications

• Year: 2015

• Face Value: $25

• Composition: 99.99% pure silver

• Weight: 31.83 g

• Finish: Proof

• Edge: Serrated

• Mintage: 7,500

• Series: Star Charts

• Artist: Cyril Assiniboine (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

Why Collect This Coin?

The Wounded Bear stands out as one of the Royal Canadian Mint’s most innovative storytelling coins, blending Indigenous legend, astronomy, glow-in-the-dark technology, and fine silver artistry. Its low mintage, cultural depth, and dramatic visual transformation make it an exceptional addition for collectors of modern numismatics, First Nations themes, and premium Canadian silver.