2026 Sable Island Horses – 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin

For nearly 300 years, the wild horses of Sable Island have roamed freely across the windswept sandbar off the coast of Nova Scotia. Living largely untouched by human influence, they have endured isolation, shifting sands, and harsh Atlantic weather with remarkable strength.

When proposals to remove the horses sparked widespread public outcry, formal protections were established in 1961 to ensure that they would remain free and undisturbed. Today, the Sable Island horse stands as a cherished symbol of resilience, independence, and survival.

The reverse of this fine silver coin captures that enduring spirit in the powerful image of a galloping stallion—a tribute to the awe-inspiring creatures that continue to embody freedom in its purest form.

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.”

Specifications

• Mintage: 7,000
• Metal: Silver
• Finish: proof
• Weight: 31.39g
• Purity: .9999
• Size: 38 mm
• Denomination: 20 Dollars
• Country of Issue: Canada