The Sable Island horse has roamed freely for generations, largely untouched by human influence on a remote sandbar off the coast of Nova Scotia. These wild horses have called Sable Island home for nearly 300 years, surviving in isolation and sometimes harsh weather; when a proposed removal sparked a public outcry, formal protections were put in place in 1961 to ensure they remained free and undisturbed. Their enduring spirit is captured on this fine silver coin’s reverse, where the image of a galloping stallion inspires awe and reverence for these creatures who are strong and free, the cherished symbols of resilience, independence and survival.

Running wild and free: Celebrate a Canadian equine icon.

Special features

• 65 years of protected status. An inspiring symbol of wild strength and survival, the Sable Island horse is a cherished Canadian icon that gained federal protection 65 years ago, in 1961.
• Based on a photograph. Your coin’s photorealistic engraved design is based on the photograph The Stallion and the Sea taken by equine photographer Sandy Sharkey during a visit to Sable Island in 2014.
• An overdue exploration of the theme. This return trip to Sable Island is long overdue—the last time the Sable Island horse was featured on a Canadian coin was in 2006, 20 years ago. This coin is an opportunity to revisit the story in 2026 and introduce it to a new wave of collectors.
• An inspirational story worth revisiting. The enduring legacy of the Sable Island horse is one of strength and resilience, while the many heartfelt letters that compelled then-Prime Minister John Diefenbaker to intervene in 1960 are, in his own words, “an example of the processes of good citizenship.”
• Immortalized in fine silver. Your coin is crafted in 1 oz. of 99.99% pure silver.
• A limited work of art. Only 7,000 coins are available to collectors worldwide.
• Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
• No GST/HST.

Packaging

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.