2022 Canada 1 oz Silver The Yukon Encounter Coin Bar .9999 Fine PF70 NGC

The 2022 Canada 1 oz Silver *The Yukon Encounter* Coin Bar, graded PF70 by NGC, stands as a flawless modern masterpiece of Canadian numismatic artistry, merging the purity of .9999 fine silver with the innovation of a rectangular proof coin format. Struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this remarkable piece captures the grandeur and raw beauty of Canada’s northern wilderness through the dramatic depiction of a human’s awe-inspiring encounter with a Yukon grizzly bear. In PF70 condition, this coin bar achieves perfection—its mirrored proof fields and frosted reliefs are without blemish, highlighting every intricately engraved detail to its fullest potential. Combining artistic storytelling, precision minting, and fine silver craftsmanship, the 2022 *Yukon Encounter* coin bar represents one of the most extraordinary examples of the Mint’s modern proof production, uniting nature, art, and national identity in precious metal form.

The obverse of the 2022 *Yukon Encounter* coin bar features the effigy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt. This familiar portrait—used on Canadian coinage since 2003—presents the Queen in a modern, dignified style, uncrowned and serene, symbolizing service and humanity. Around her image appear the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “CANADA,” and the denomination “25 DOLLARS,” with the date “2022” completing the legend. The rectangular proof format allows the portrait to appear taller and more regal, framed elegantly within the long vertical dimensions of the coin bar. In PF70 condition, the obverse gleams with absolute clarity: the frosted portrait stands in perfect contrast against deep, mirror-like fields, with each strand of hair, every facial contour, and each engraved line presented with microscopic sharpness. The flawless surfaces reflect the Royal Canadian Mint’s mastery of the proof process, in which planchets and dies are hand-polished and struck multiple times to create unmatched contrast and brilliance.

The reverse design, titled *The Yukon Encounter*, is a breathtaking work of numismatic art that captures a dramatic and symbolic moment in the untamed wilderness of Canada’s far north. The composition shows a lone traveler standing at the edge of a Yukon riverbank, face-to-face with a powerful grizzly bear emerging from the trees. The design’s intensity lies in its quiet balance between confrontation and coexistence—the human figure remains motionless, recognizing both the danger and majesty of the creature before him. Behind the two, the towering peaks of the Yukon’s mountain ranges rise against the sky, while the flowing water reflects light in delicate engraved textures. The bear’s fur, the folds of the traveler’s coat, and the ripples of the river are all engraved in remarkable detail, revealing layers of depth and realism that make the scene almost photographic. The inscription “THE YUKON ENCOUNTER” appears subtly along the base, harmonizing with the natural forms of the design rather than interrupting them. The combination of artistic composition and technical precision creates a numismatic tableau of profound emotional resonance—one that celebrates the Canadian wilderness as both beautiful and humbling.

The coin bar’s rectangular format provides a unique canvas for storytelling, emphasizing the horizontal scope of the northern landscape and the grandeur of the wilderness. Measuring approximately 49 mm in length by 28 mm in width, the elongated shape gives the scene a cinematic perspective, drawing the viewer’s eye from the traveler to the grizzly, and beyond to the distant peaks. This panoramic form sets the Yukon Encounter apart from traditional round coin designs, offering collectors both a striking display piece and a distinctive addition to any modern proof collection. The shape also highlights the Royal Canadian Mint’s innovation and engineering expertise, as striking perfectly proportioned designs on non-traditional planchets requires exceptional precision. In hand, the coin bar feels weighty and solid, the mirror fields glistening with an almost liquid brilliance beneath the frosted devices. This fusion of geometry and art underscores the Mint’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of contemporary coin design.

Each 2022 *Yukon Encounter* coin bar was struck in one troy ounce (31.39 grams) of .9999 fine silver, the highest purity standard in Canadian minting. The proof finish exemplifies the Mint’s meticulous attention to detail, achieved through multiple strikes under controlled pressure using specially prepared dies. The surfaces are hand-polished, producing perfect mirrors that contrast sharply with the matte frosting of the design elements. The edges are smooth and polished, with no imperfections visible even under magnification. In PF70 grade—Proof 70 Ultra Cameo—the piece exhibits complete perfection as certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). This grade indicates that the coin bar is free of any post-production flaws visible even under 5x magnification, and that its strike, luster, and contrast represent the absolute pinnacle of proof coinage quality. The frosted reliefs, deep mirrored fields, and flawless planchet unite to create a luminous piece that seems to capture light itself within its silver surfaces.

The limited mintage of the 2022 *Yukon Encounter* 1 oz Proof Silver Coin Bar enhances its appeal to discerning collectors worldwide. Only a few thousand pieces were released, with many sold immediately upon issue due to strong international demand for the Royal Canadian Mint’s innovative rectangular proof series. Each bar was accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity and housed in a deluxe black presentation case, lined with satin and velvet for elegant display. The outer packaging, decorated with Yukon wilderness imagery, complements the medal’s design theme, making the entire presentation both artistic and educational. The low mintage, combined with the perfection of a PF70 Ultra Cameo designation, ensures enduring value and collectibility, as few examples achieve this flawless state. For collectors specializing in wildlife themes, modern Canadian proofs, or artistic silver coinage, this issue represents one of the Mint’s most impressive achievements of recent years.

Thematically, *The Yukon Encounter* speaks to Canada’s profound relationship with its northern frontier and natural heritage. The scene of man meeting bear captures both the spirit of adventure and the respect owed to nature’s power. It reflects a broader Canadian philosophy—one of coexistence, humility, and reverence for the environment. The grizzly, long a symbol of strength and survival, represents the untamed heart of the wild, while the solitary traveler evokes courage, exploration, and introspection. Together, they form a visual dialogue about balance between civilization and wilderness. This theme echoes throughout Canadian art and literature, making the medal not just a numismatic piece but a miniature work of cultural storytelling. The Yukon itself, famous for the Klondike Gold Rush and its immense natural beauty, is emblematic of human determination and the sublime vastness of the natural world. The Mint’s engravers translate that duality into silver, creating an image that feels both ancient and timeless.

In PF70 Ultra Cameo condition, this 2022 *Yukon Encounter* coin bar displays the ultimate expression of the Royal Canadian Mint’s technical prowess. The mirrored fields exhibit perfect clarity, without haze, dust, or marks, while the frosted figures of the bear, traveler, and mountains stand in stunning relief. The transitions between finishes are precise and crisp, creating an almost three-dimensional appearance when viewed under light. NGC’s certification and encapsulation ensure the preservation of this flawless state, protecting it from environmental factors and confirming its absolute numismatic perfection. The label, marked “PF70 Ultra Cameo,” complements the coin’s visual splendor, while the transparent holder allows unobstructed viewing of both sides. Together with the original presentation box and COA, the medal represents a complete collector’s ensemble—an artifact of modern artistry and minting perfection.

From a numismatic and artistic standpoint, the 2022 Canada 1 oz Silver *The Yukon Encounter* Coin Bar in PF70 NGC is a defining example of the Royal Canadian Mint’s innovation and storytelling mastery. It merges cutting-edge proof technology with the timeless themes of wilderness and human spirit, presented in an elegant rectangular form that elevates it beyond conventional coinage. Its flawless preservation, limited mintage, and evocative design make it a premier addition to any modern world silver collection. The *Yukon Encounter* captures the essence of the Canadian north—majestic, mysterious, and humbling—preserved forever in brilliant silver. It stands not only as a perfect coin but as a perfect metaphor: humanity’s enduring fascination with nature and the eternal quest for harmony between civilization and the wild. In its gleaming surfaces and flawless strike, the 2022 *Yukon Encounter* PF70 embodies both the artistry and soul of Canadian numismatics at its highest level.