2027 Official State of Alaska Orca Medallion

Alaska Mint proudly presents the 2027 Official State of Alaska “Orca Whale” medallion designed by Darrah Edgar. Darrah is a painter, wood burner, and crafter. She is a self taught artist from a young age and studied at UAA in multiple artistic endeavors and graduated with an associates of the arts in 2017. There are multiple themes in her art but a general focus on capturing nature in a bright and colorful way. Darrah’s favorite art mediums are acrylic, watercolor, drawing and wood burning.

The orca (Orcinus orca), also commonly called the killer whale, is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. They feature a striking black back, white belly, and distinct white patches above and behind their eyes. Males have tall dorsal fins reaching up to 6 feet high, whereas female dorsal fins are shorter and more curved. Adult males can grow to over 30 feet long and weigh up to 20,000 pounds, while females are smaller at up to 25-28 feet long. They live in every ocean on Earth, from cold polar regions like the Arctic and Antarctic to warm tropical seas. They prefer cooler coastal waters and temperate zones, though they are found globally. Orcas sit at the very top of the marine food chain with no natural predators. If you are lucky on an Alaska marine life tour or cruise you might see a pod of these beautiful marine mammals.

These medallions are minted in several sizes, starting smaller than a dime up to our large two inch “Alaska Size” medallions in both pure silver and pure gold. Many are available as jewelry. Our most popular size is our 1 oz .999 fine silver, 1 oz. single gold relief (24k plating on the front of the silver coin) and 1 oz. double gold relief (24k gold plating on both sides). It is similar in size to a silver dollar. They are packaged in a handsome gift box and airtite container. Proof sets are also available, these proof sets contain the 5 different size medallions between 1/10th up to 1oz. packaged in airtite containers and a gift box. We even mint a 2 oz. “Alaska Size” version of this medallion that is a full 2 inches in diameter, in both silver and double gold relief. The Official State of Alaska Medallions are the only medallions that we mint that feature the Seal of the State of Alaska on the reverse!  

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