Description
Each year, the Royal Canadian Mint proudly produces special circulation coins marking critical milestones in our heritage, culture, and values. This commemorative features the world of Haida artist Bill Reid.
The reverse design features Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid on the inner core and extending onto the outer ring. On the top portion of the outer ring, two images of a maple leaf appear within the line pattern. A banner at the bottom of the outer ring bears the inscriptions "BILL" and "REID" in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Haida artist's birth, while "2020" is centred between two security marks that consist of a maple leaf within another maple leaf. The selectively coloured $2 coin features the same reverse design encircled by a ring and enhanced with red, white and black. Both versions feature the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt on the obverse.
The reverse design features Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid on the inner core and extending onto the outer ring. On the top portion of the outer ring, two images of a maple leaf appear within the line pattern. A banner at the bottom of the outer ring bears the inscriptions "BILL" and "REID" in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Haida artist's birth, while "2020" is centred between two security marks that consist of a maple leaf within another maple leaf. The selectively coloured $2 coin features the same reverse design encircled by a ring and enhanced with red, white and black. Both versions feature the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt on the obverse.
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).