2024 Canada 1 oz Silver Great Hunters: Cougar UHR – NGC PF70 UC First Day of Production (Black Core & Cougar Label)

The 2024 1 oz Canada Silver Great Hunters: Cougar Ultra High Relief Proof represents one of the Royal Canadian Mint’s most visually dynamic and artistically sophisticated releases of the year. Struck in 99.99% pure silver and crafted in Ultra High Relief (UHR), this limited-mintage proof showcases razor-sharp depth, dramatic elevation, and museum-quality artistic detail. This issue is certified by NGC in perfect PF70 Ultra Cameo condition with the highly coveted First Day of Production designation—confirming it was received by the grading service within 24 hours of the official release day.

Each coin is encapsulated in an NGC holder featuring a Black Display Core and an exclusive Cougar label, enhancing its visual presentation and rarity. The presentation also includes a Royal Canadian Mint Certificate of Authenticity and arrives in a black velvet pouch, adding elegance and security to this premium release.

With a strictly limited mintage of just 6,000 coins worldwide, the 2024 Cougar is one of the most elusive offerings in the Great Hunters series.

The Great Hunters Series

Canada’s Great Hunters series celebrates the continent’s most formidable apex predators through lifelike, high-relief engraving. Each issue focuses on a different animal known for its hunting skill, strength, and stealth. The cougar—among North America’s most agile and elusive big cats—takes center stage in the 2024 release.

Renowned for their ability to leap up to 45 feet horizontally and climb cliffs in near-vertical bounds, cougars rely on stealth, explosive power, and extraordinary speed. Their retractable claws, powerful jaws, and razor-sharp carnassial teeth make them one of the most efficient predators in the Western Hemisphere.

This coin captures the essence of the cougar in its natural environment through the artistry of Emily Damstra, the celebrated designer behind the Type II American Silver Eagle reverse. Her work combines motion, realism, and emotional presence—elements that define the Great Hunters series.

Ultra High Relief Craftsmanship

The Royal Canadian Mint’s Ultra High Relief strikes are known for their exceptional dimensionality and precision. This 2024 UHR release features sculpted detail so intense that the cougar appears to rise dramatically from the surface. The combination of UHR engraving and a Proof finish results in extraordinary clarity, with frosted devices contrasted against mirror-like fields.

Proof coins of this caliber are produced using hand-selected planchets and multiple strikes, ensuring crisp, deeply defined imagery. The result is a collectible that feels alive—capturing both power and motion in a way standard strikes cannot replicate.

Design Details

Emily Damstra’s reverse design depicts a sleek, muscular cougar prowling along a rocky ledge, poised to strike. The powerful curvature of the spine, precise musculature, and intense gaze reflect the natural elegance and danger of this elusive predator.

The obverse continues the Royal Canadian Mint’s transition to modern portraiture, featuring the effigy of King Charles III. This portrait marks a significant moment in Canadian coinage, accompanying the new generation of RCM collector and bullion strikes.

NGC PF70 UC First Day of Production Certification

Each coin has been graded PF70 Ultra Cameo, meaning it has no post-production imperfections and reflects exactly what the engraver and mint intended. Receiving the First Day of Production designation adds further prestige, confirming these coins were among the first pieces struck and submitted.

The NGC holder includes:

• A Black Core for dramatic contrast
• An exclusive cougar-themed label
• Sonic sealing for long-term protection

Collectors prize First Day certified coins for their sharper strikes, deeper mirrors, and extremely limited populations.