Canada. New Large Silver Proof Coin Features Artwork Entitled Mustang Country by Renowned Artist

One of Canada’s most widely recognised and honoured artists, Bateman’s work reflects his commitment to ecology and preservation. Few images are more evocative of wide-open spaces, and of unbridled freedom, as that of mustang herds roaming the prairie landscape. Another stunning Robert Bateman original entitled Mustang Country is the latest painting to feature on a Canadian collector coin which treats both its subject and the grasslands with equal reverence.

The mustang equine breed are descendants from horses brought to North America by Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century and the word itself “mustang” is derived from the Spanish words mestengo/mesteño which translates as without a master or stray animal. Native American nomads of the Great Plains such as the Blackfoot and Sioux used these early horses to totally transform their traditional way of life. They could hunt bison, conquer weaker tribes and move their communities using these horses. Remnant populations of those early horses escaped, however, and survived on their own in the more remote grasslands and parklands of North America. 

Robert Bateman is an unflagging proponent of wildlife conservation and education, his photo-realistic art reflects a deep love of nature and his commitment to its preservation. The artist has long been an advocate of wildlife education and learning initiatives that deepen one’s connection with nature, such as those carried out by the Bateman Foundation. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, the Foundation oversees the Bateman Gallery, home to the largest permanent collection of original works by the artist. 

‘Mustang Country’ was painted by the artist in 2010 which focuses on a beautiful herd of mustang horses coming down to drink at a Prairie slough and is based on a personal experience of the artist more than 30 years ago. One of the stallions is reflected in the water while the mares are coming down the gully, the artist’s intention was to portray the herd as if they were walking through the grass and not on top of it.

The painting is a rare commission that Bateman agreed to as the benefactor who it was painted for gave it as a generous donation to the planned Robert Bateman Art and Environmental Education Centre at Royal Roads University in Victoria which opened in 2013 and which is home to a permanent exhibition of Bateman's work. 

The reverse side recreates a portion of the original painting focusing on the lead stallion of the mustang herd going down for a morning drink at a slough and where the horse is reflected in the still body of water. Above the primary design is the text CANADA 2025 and the denomination 30 DOLLARS. In similar style to the original painting, the work includes an engraved facsimile signature of the artist which is placed near the lower rim. The obverse side includes the effigy of HM King Charles III which is the work of Canadian artist Steven Rosati and depicts the King facing to the left surrounded by the legend CHARLES III D · G · REX.

The large size coin is encapsulated and presented in a black leatherette custom case accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Canadian Mint.