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Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 52616
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 05/01/25 08:55:02 | ||
Gold
-54.89
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$3,233.02 | $3,246.84 |
The Canada 1/3 Ounce Gold Grizzly 2017 BU is a unique and striking gold bullion coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, blending wildlife-themed artistry with precise technical production and investment-grade purity. Introduced as part of Canada’s continuing tradition of gold coinage featuring native wildlife, the 2017 Grizzly is notable for its uncommon weight of one-third ounce, offering an alternative to the more typical one-ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce gold coins. As part of a limited issue targeting both collectors and investors, this coin stands out not only for its distinctive design but also for its high gold content and exceptional craftsmanship. The grizzly bear, a powerful symbol of Canada’s vast wilderness and natural heritage, is portrayed with detail and realism, further enhancing the coin’s appeal on the global market.
The design of the 2017 Gold Grizzly captures the strength and majesty of one of Canada’s most iconic animals. The reverse of the coin features a roaring grizzly bear standing in a defensive pose, caught mid-stride in a rugged wilderness setting. Designed by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc, the bear’s muscles, fur, and open jaws are intricately engraved, creating a lifelike and dynamic image that conveys both power and wild beauty. Behind the bear, the textured background suggests the rocky terrain of the Canadian frontier. The inscriptions on the reverse include “CANADA,” the coin’s weight and purity “1/3 OZ .9999 FINE GOLD,” and the year “2017.” The grizzly’s fierce expression and commanding stance emphasize its role as one of North America’s top predators and serve as a tribute to Canada’s untamed landscapes.
The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, created by Susanna Blunt, which has been used on Canadian coinage since 2003. This right-facing portrait presents the Queen without a crown, conveying a more modern and approachable image of Canada’s constitutional monarch. The surrounding inscriptions read “ELIZABETH II,” “D.G. REGINA,” and the face value “50 DOLLARS.” The obverse is struck with the same attention to detail and clarity as the reverse, showcasing the Royal Canadian Mint’s commitment to precision engraving and finish. The inclusion of the Queen’s portrait not only confirms the coin’s status as legal tender but also maintains the continuity of Canadian currency design in conjunction with the unique wildlife themes presented on the reverse.
The Royal Canadian Mint, headquartered in Ottawa, is responsible for producing the 1/3 Ounce Gold Grizzly 2017 BU. Founded in 1908, the Mint has built a reputation for innovation, purity, and quality in precious metal coinage. It was the first mint to introduce .9999 fine gold bullion coins on a regular basis and has continued to lead in terms of design excellence and production standards. The 1/3 ounce denomination is relatively rare in global gold coinage, and its presence in the Canadian lineup offers a new dimension for investors and collectors looking for options outside the standard fractional sizes. The Mint’s rigorous quality control ensures that every coin is struck to exacting standards, with crisp details and clean fields, using advanced die techniques and laser technology to enhance the coin’s overall appearance.
The mintage of the 2017 1/3 Ounce Gold Grizzly was limited, adding a layer of exclusivity and collectibility to its appeal. The Royal Canadian Mint issued the coin as a stand-alone bullion product rather than as part of a larger series, and while exact figures are often not as widely published as with mass-market bullion coins, it is known that the production was modest relative to flagship coins like the Gold Maple Leaf. This smaller mintage means that the coin is scarcer in the marketplace, particularly in pristine Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, which makes it especially attractive to collectors who value both design and rarity. The coin’s one-time issue status further enhances its collectibility, as it marks a specific moment in Canadian numismatic production without annual repetition.
The condition of the 2017 Gold Grizzly is described as Brilliant Uncirculated, indicating that it was struck for the bullion market but with no signs of wear or circulation. BU coins retain their original mint luster, display sharp design elements, and may have only minor surface imperfections from the minting or handling process. When preserved in their original packaging or stored in protective capsules, these coins maintain their visual integrity and investment-grade quality over time. Examples that have been graded by third-party services such as PCGS or NGC often receive high marks, typically in the MS69 or MS70 range, reflecting near-perfect or perfect condition, and are frequently sought after by those looking to build high-grade modern gold collections.
The purity of the coin, at .9999 fine gold, places it among the purest gold bullion coins available in the world. Each coin contains exactly one-third of a troy ounce, or approximately 10.43 grams, of gold. This level of purity ensures that the coin is accepted by major dealers, depositories, and international markets and qualifies for inclusion in precious metals IRAs in the United States. The coin’s fractional size makes it more accessible to a wider range of investors, allowing them to acquire highly refined gold in a format that balances value with affordability. It is also a practical option for those interested in portfolio diversification through physical precious metals without the higher premium often associated with smaller denominations like the 1/10 ounce.
The 2017 Gold Grizzly coin also carries significant symbolic weight. The grizzly bear is a creature deeply woven into Canada’s ecological and cultural identity. It is found throughout western Canada and represents strength, independence, and resilience. By showcasing the grizzly in such a bold and detailed way, the coin pays tribute not only to the natural environment but also to the broader values of survival and wild beauty that characterize the Canadian frontier. Wildlife-themed bullion coins have long had a strong following due to their emotive power, and the 2017 Grizzly stands as one of the most memorable recent contributions to this genre from the Royal Canadian Mint.
Market interest in the 2017 1/3 Ounce Gold Grizzly has remained strong due to the combination of its scarcity, design quality, and gold content. Collectors are particularly drawn to the coin’s one-year-only issue and its uncommon denomination, while investors appreciate the liquidity and trustworthiness that come with Royal Canadian Mint bullion products. As time progresses, examples in BU or certified high-grade condition are likely to become increasingly difficult to find, which may further drive demand among those seeking limited modern issues that also function as tangible assets.
The Canada 1/3 Ounce Gold Grizzly 2017 BU coin exemplifies the Royal Canadian Mint’s ability to blend natural heritage, artistic design, and investment utility into a single, finely crafted product. Its distinctive depiction of the grizzly bear, uncommon weight, high purity, and limited mintage ensure that it occupies a special place in both bullion portfolios and numismatic collections. As an expression of Canada’s wild spirit struck in gold, the 2017 Grizzly remains a testament to the enduring value and visual power of precious metal coinage.