Canada. New One-Ounce Gold Bullion Coin Features North America’s Heaviest Land Animal

Launched in 2015 as the world’s first 1 ¼ ounce silver bullion coin, the Bison bullion series features the image of a North American Bison with sporadically changing designs during the series’ debut. The silver coin was joined by a ¼ gold ounce coin in 2017 and for 2026, a new one ounce gold coin has been added.

More generally known as the North American bison or the American Buffalo, they were once common sights on the American continent. Bison once roamed in the millions through the prairies and woodlands of western North America for millennia. The American buffalo and its Holocene ancestor dominated much of central North America from what is now Alaska, down through the Canadian prairies and American Midwest, as far south as central Mexico and as far east as near the Appalachians of the United States.

In the tens of millions, they wandered along ancient feeding routes so well worn that they are still visible from the air today. Many of these routes, particularly in the United States, were eventually used as wagon trails and later for railway beds. Overhunting in the late 1800s nearly caused their extinction, however the continued survival of the North American bison is largely due to on-going conservation efforts. Between 1985 and 1992, over 70 wood bison born at the Toronto Zoo were released to the wild to restore populations. Today, the Toronto Zoo’s bison conservation program focuses on the Bison Genome Bio-bank and assisted reproductive technologies. Together, these approaches safeguard valuable genetics for the future and provide methods to incorporate this banked genetic diversity into living populations.

Designed by Claudio D’Angelo, the coin’s reverse features sunburst radial lines behind the inspiring side view of a mighty grazing bison, representing the timeless spirit of Canadian natural heritage. Just above the image of the bison, the numbers 99999 in reference to the purity and fineness of the coin’s gold content. Above the primary design along the upper rim is the text CANADA and below, along the lower rim are the specifications FINE GOLD 1 OZ OR PUR. The obverse side includes the effigy of HM King Charles III created by Canadian artist Steven Rosati and depicts the King facing to the left surrounded by the legend CHARLES III CANADA D G REX. The denomination 200 DOLLARS and year of issue, 2026 is placed below the King’s likeness along the lower rim. The coins’ edge features serrations or reeding alternating with smooth surfaces.

Each Premium Bullion coin is encapsulated and presented in custom-designed packaging complete with removable capsule and a clear re-sealable envelope for added protection. The signed assay certificate is printed on the back of the card, while the easy-to-scan QR code on the front of the card is a quick link to an informative website that concisely describes this bullion product. Unlike previous Canadian bullion-related coins, the Bison 1 ounce gold premium bullion coin can now be purchased directly from the e-webshop of the Royal Canadian Mint.