Description
He is best remembered for monumental work like "The Spirit of Haida Gwaii," but Iljuwas (Bill Reid) began his creative career as a goldsmith. His jewellery pieces represent Haida tradition. Beautifully executed in 99.99% pure gold, this finely engraved rendering of Bill Reid's Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear epitomizes the artist's craft on the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is an exquisite celebration of a legacy forever preserved in precious metals, argillite, wood and other mediums. Mintage is limited to 400 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design features an engraved rendering of Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid (1920-1998). The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Bill Reid:
Master goldsmith. Sculptor. Cultural bridge-builder. Iljuwas (Bill Reid) (1920-1998), expanded the world's appreciation for Haida art and influenced new generations of artists. His astounding body of work includes 1,500 pieces ranging from jewellery art to monumental work like The Spirit of Haida Gwaii - which has appeared on our coins. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the artist's birth and, to mark the occasion, the Royal Canadian Mint is proud to introduce the 2020 Bill Reid commemorative coins featuring an adaptation of his iconic Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear (1990).
