2003 Alaska Medallion - The Lynx

Total one ounce proof mintage: 7,318
Total one ounce proof mintage: 185

Current List Price $225.00
Our Price $175.00

The Canadian Lynx is the only lynx in North America. It is a rare forest dwelling cat found in northern latitudes. They are found in Alaska, throughout much of Canada, the boreal forest in the Northeastern United States, the Great Lakes and the Northern and Southern Rocky Mountains. They live in forested areas, tundra, swamp areas and rocky areas.

The lynx is a medium-sized cat, similar to the bobcat, but appears larger. It is a fairly light animal weighing from 15-30 pounds. The length of the lynx from head to bottom is 32-36" with a 4" tail. It has long hind legs and very large well-furred paws, which make it an excellent hunter in deep snow. It also has unique long tufts on the ears and a short, black tipped tail.

They are solitary, nocturnal animals. Its large feet enable it to pursue snowshoe hares across deep snow without collapsing. They primarily eat snowshoe hares, but at times eat other small rodents, birds and fish. Their lifespan is about 15-18 years. They do not have any real predators, except for man. Their top speed is almost 50 mph. They are also very good climbers and exceptional swimmers.

Silver Trivia
The Moorish invasion of Spain necessitated that the exploitation of silver move to a broader spectrum of countries, principally in Central Europe. Several major silver mine discoveries occurred between 750 and 1200 A.D., including the classic Schemnitz, Rammelsburg, Goslar, and Saxony regions in Germany. Concurrently, discoveries of silver were made in Austria-Hungary and elsewhere in Eastern Europe.