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1998 50-Cent Sterling Silver Proof Whale Coins
Introduced in 1998, International Year of the
Ocean, they were originally sold separately or as part of the four coin set.
 
The Killer Whale
The killer whale is the most intelligent of the whales. Hunting salmon in
Packs off of Canada's West Coast it grows to a length of between 6 and 7
meters. The whale is prized as exhibits in aquariums.
Humpback Whale
This majestic creature is often watched off the coast of Newfoundland and
Nova Scotia. It grows to an average length of about 16 meters. The animals
calve in warm southern waters but return north every year to feed in colder
regions.
Beluga Whale
This little white whale grows to a length of (only?) four or five meters.
The Beluga whale may turn its head allowing it to peer to the sides. In
addition to this it has acoustical, direction-finding sonar. A beautiful
creature that is most successful in Canada's northern regions. Its population
within the St. Lawrence has been reduced to a few hundred.
Blue Whale
The most obvious thing that must be said about the Blue Whale is its size.
Growing to 30 meters and weighing in excess of 160 tons, it is the largest
creature on earth. Whale hunting nearly drove this beautiful animal to
extinction. Even now, there is less than 7000 of these creatures in the
world. About 300 of these whales come to the Gulf of the St. Lawrence every
summer.
Set of 4 coins
From sea to sea, the natural world of Canada is filled with wonders
which lift up our hearts and inspire our imagination. The Discovering
Nature 50 Cent Sterling Silver series seeks to explore this world and
takes you on a journey of discovery.
1998 Ocean Giants Discovering Nature Series
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