Canada has a new commemorative $20 coin.
The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a brand new pure silver coin in honour of Black History, marking the sixth coin of the commemorative series.
The $20 Pure Silver Coin — Commemorating Black History: Amber Valley tells the tale of one of western Canada's largest all-Black settlements.
"Arriving in Amber Valley (formerly Pine Creek), Alberta, the Black settlers worked hard to establish a thriving community, some 300 people strong, blazing a trail as they went and building a rich legacy through their achievements," the Royal Canadian Mint said on its website.
The new $20 coin brings to life an often-overlooked story from Canada's immigration history with its finely engraved reverse capturing the "spirit of Amber Valley."
$20 Pure Silver Coin — Commemorating Black History: Amber ValleyThe Royal Canadian Mint
The new coin is the sixth release part of the Mint's annual Commemorating Black History series, which "honours the enormous contributions that Black Canadians have made, and continue to make."
Designed by Canadian artist Valentine De Landro, the $20 coin's reverse is centred on a family portrait that represents the spiritual heart of the story of Black homesteaders who founded Amber Valley in 1909 and created a thriving community, the Royal Canadian Mint said.
The reverse of the coin also features the map outline of the province of Alberta, providing geographical context. Furthermore, collectors will be able to spot a depiction of a wagon train making its way across north Alberta, which represents the settlers' pioneering spirit.
"The pioneering imagery was essential to communicating the spirit of Amber Valley, crossing through harsh terrain to reach a virtually unknown destination and to begin a legacy centred on the goal of a better life for their family; that idea is reflected in the posture and presence of the figures at the core of this design," De Landro said.
$20 Pure Silver Coin — Commemorating Black History: Amber ValleyThe Royal Canadian Mint
The obverse of the new coin showcases a maple leaf design along with the effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II crafted by Susanna Blunt. Additionally, the front side carries a distinctive emblem incorporating four pearls, representing the four effigies that have adorned Canadian currency.
With a total mintage of 5,500, the new coin weighs over 31 grams and has a diameter of 38 millimetres.
Although its face value is, in fact, $20 — the coin will cost you more to purchase online. Coin collectors can get their hands on the $20 coin for $104.95. When purchased, your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.
The $20 Pure Silver Coin — Commemorating Black History: Amber Valley is available for pre-order now.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
