Obverse. Photo © Royal Canadian Mint
  • 2 Dollars 2020, Canada, Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of Birth of Bill Reid
  • 2 Dollars 2020, Canada, Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of Birth of Bill Reid
Description

One hundred years after the birth of the late Bill Reid (William Ronald Reid, 1920-1998), the legendary artist and advocate of Haida culture also known by the Haida name Iljuwas, the Royal Canadian Mint is issuing a new $2 circulation coin honouring his ground-breaking contributions to contemporary Indigenous art.

Through his art, and by championing Haida causes and cultural traditions, Reid exposed people all over the world to the beauty of his culture, and helped inspire a new generation of Haida artists. His astounding body of work spans 1,500 different pieces ranging from jewelry to silk-screen prints, to the monumental carvings and sculptures for which he is most widely known. Some of his major works were featured on the Canadian $20 banknote of the Canadian Journey series (2004–2012).

Obverse

Fourth portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, when she was 77 years old, facing right and surrounded with the inscription. A maple leaf above, country name and denomination below.

Dei Gratia Regina (often abbreviated to D. G. Regina and seen as D·G·REGINA) is a Latin title meaning By the Grace of God, Queen.

Engraver: Susanna Blunt

ELIZABETH II D·G· REGINA
SB
CANADA 2 DOLLARS

Reverse

Depicts 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", while "2020" is centred between two security marks that consist of a maple leaf within another maple leaf.

Reid painted it in 1988 on a ceremonial drum belonging to the Sam family, of Ahousat, B.C. He later adapted the design for reproduction on silkscreen prints, with proceeds benefitting the Artists for Kids Trust, which supports children’s art education in British Columbia through the sale of original prints created by professional artists.

Artist: Bill Reid

BILL 2020 REID

Edge

CANADA * 2 DOLLARS *

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Nickel Plated Steel
Center Brass Plated Aluminium Bronze
Weight 6.99 g
Diameter 28 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

Related coins

4th portrait

100th Anniversary of Birth of Bill Reid

Bi-Metallic, 6.99 g, ⌀ 28 mm