2020 Canadian Kraken 2 oz Silver Coin BU

The 2020 Canadian Kraken 2 oz Silver Coin BU is a striking release from the Royal Canadian Mint’s popular “Creatures of the North” series, an imaginative line of bullion coins exploring mythical sea monsters that have captured the fascination of mariners for centuries. The Kraken, a legendary sea creature said to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland, is often depicted as a giant squid or octopus capable of dragging entire ships beneath the waves. The 2020 Kraken coin brings this fearsome beast to life through dramatic, high-relief design and exceptional minting quality, making it a standout among modern silver bullion issues. With its heavy 2-ounce weight, impressive detail, and limited availability, the Kraken coin quickly gained popularity among collectors and investors alike.

The Creatures of the North series was created by the Royal Canadian Mint to appeal to both the fantasy-loving collector and the serious bullion investor. The series showcases mythical beings that populate seafaring lore, blending Canadian themes with global mythology. The Kraken, with its mysterious origins and fearsome reputation, was an ideal choice for the inaugural release. First announced in early 2020, the coin was struck in .9999 fine silver, affirming the Royal Canadian Mint’s reputation for producing some of the highest-purity bullion products in the world. The 2 oz weight also offers a substantial format, providing a broad canvas for the Mint’s designers to depict the monstrous Kraken in incredible detail.

The obverse of the 2020 Kraken coin features the classic effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Susanna Blunt. This familiar portrait shows the Queen facing right, wearing a simple pearl necklace, with a neutral expression. The inscriptions surrounding the portrait include “ELIZABETH II,” the face value of “10 DOLLARS,” and the year of issue “2020.” On a Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) specimen, the obverse presents a clean, lightly frosted finish with sharp detail on the Queen’s features and the surrounding text. As is typical of Royal Canadian Mint products, the obverse also incorporates precision radial lines that enhance security and add a refined texture, protecting against counterfeiting while adding to the coin’s visual appeal.

The reverse of the coin is where the artistry of the Kraken truly comes to life. The design features a fearsome Kraken rising from the turbulent ocean, massive tentacles coiling around a doomed sailing ship. The level of detail is extraordinary, from the suckers on the Kraken’s limbs to the frantic motion of the waves and the panicked crew depicted on the ship’s deck. Above the scene are the inscriptions “CANADA” and the coin’s weight and purity “2 OZ 9999 FINE SILVER ARGENT PUR.” The imagery is rendered with a combination of frosted and polished finishes that heighten the dramatic contrast between the creature and the stormy sea. On a BU example, the strike is sharp, the relief is bold, and the textured surfaces bring depth and dimension to the mythological narrative unfolding on the coin’s face.

The technical specifications of the 2020 Canadian Kraken 2 oz Silver Coin further enhance its desirability. Struck from two troy ounces of .9999 fine silver, the coin measures 38 millimeters in diameter and has a thickness of 6.1 millimeters, giving it a satisfying heft and substantial appearance compared to standard one-ounce bullion coins. The radial line finish, which extends across both the obverse and reverse fields, adds not only a security feature but also a shimmering, almost hypnotic effect when viewed under light. Each coin is issued in Brilliant Uncirculated condition and, when purchased individually, is typically housed in protective packaging to preserve its pristine surfaces. Bulk quantities are distributed in mint tubes and monster boxes, catering to both collectors and investors.

The Royal Canadian Mint did not announce a specific mintage limit for the 2020 Kraken at its initial release, but the combination of high demand and relatively short production runs has made the coin increasingly scarce. As the first issue in a new series, collector interest was particularly strong, with buyers eager to secure the inaugural release in anticipation of future "Creatures of the North" coins. The distinctive subject matter, large format, and exceptional silver purity all contribute to the Kraken’s continued popularity on the secondary market, where premiums over spot silver have remained robust compared to more generic bullion issues.

The 2020 Kraken coin's Brilliant Uncirculated condition ensures that it meets high standards of quality without the heavy cost of proof or specialty finishes. BU coins exhibit full, unblemished surfaces, strong luster, and sharp, detailed strikes. Minor imperfections such as faint bag marks or planchet flaws can sometimes be present on bullion issues, but Royal Canadian Mint quality control is among the best in the industry, ensuring that most Kraken coins available to collectors are visually impressive. Collectors value BU coins for their combination of aesthetic appeal and affordability, and the Kraken’s dynamic, story-driven design ensures that each specimen captures attention immediately upon viewing.

Thematically, the Kraken coin taps into both historical myth and contemporary interest in legendary creatures. Sailors’ tales of the Kraken reflect the awe and fear inspired by the untamed seas, blending fact and imagination into enduring stories that span centuries. By choosing the Kraken as the first subject in the Creatures of the North series, the Royal Canadian Mint not only honors Canada’s maritime heritage but also engages the broader human fascination with the mysteries of the deep. This narrative dimension elevates the coin beyond a simple bullion piece, making it a conversation starter and a collectible imbued with layers of cultural resonance.

The success of the 2020 Canadian Kraken 2 oz Silver Coin BU also set the stage for future entries in the Creatures of the North series, including other legendary beings such as the Werewolf and the Nessie of Loch Ness lore. Collectors who secured the Kraken were thus positioned to continue building a thematic set of large-format, high-relief silver coins, each capturing another chapter in the mythology of the seas and wilderness. The Kraken, as the inaugural release, remains a cornerstone of the series and a must-have for enthusiasts who appreciate both numismatic artistry and the thrill of legendary storytelling in silver form.

The 2020 Canadian Kraken 2 oz Silver Coin BU stands as an exceptional achievement by the Royal Canadian Mint, combining bold design, technical excellence, and thematic depth into a memorable modern bullion release. With its depiction of one of maritime mythology’s most fearsome creatures, struck in stunning high-relief .9999 fine silver, the Kraken offers collectors and investors a coin that is as beautiful as it is historically and culturally rich. Whether acquired for its precious metal content, its artistry, or its place in a larger narrative series, the 2020 Kraken remains a standout piece that will continue to captivate imaginations and enhance collections for years to come.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 2020
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A