Obverse. Photo © Royal Canadian Mint
  • 20 Dollars 2023, RCM# 208755, Canada, Charles III, National Indigenous Peoples Day
  • 20 Dollars 2023, RCM# 208755, Canada, Charles III, National Indigenous Peoples Day
Description

On the eve of the Summer Solstice, a day of great significance for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint is honouring their rich and diverse cultural heritages with a set of commemorative coins celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.

National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) celebrates the heritages, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. It is celebrated on the 2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day commemorative $2 circulation coin, which lends its reverse design to this 99.99% pure silver coin.

For the first time on a Canadian circulation coin, three different artists have collaborated on a single reverse design – Megan Currie, English River First Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Jennine Krauchi, Red River Métis – actively developed the design together, weaving together their individual expressions to form a powerful ode to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures and heritages, and an open invitation to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

As the new King Charles III dies were not yet ready for this coin set, all the obverse designs feature a posthumous effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the addition of the double dates of her reign, 1952-2022.

Obverse

Fourth portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, when she was 77 years old, facing right and surrounded by the inscription. On the right, the four pearls symbolise the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

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 2023 D·G·REGINA
1952
••••
2022
SB
20 DOLLARS

Reverse

Depicts unique backgrounds and cultures, the artists brought their own perspectives and experiences to create beautiful and harmonious art.

Design details by artist Megan Currie / First Nations:
• Grandmother Moon: Represents past, present, future, and seven generations.
• Blossoming flower: Symbolizes hope and honoring children.
• Forget-me-not flowers: Remembrance of past generations and call for reconciliation.
• Circles and berries: Signify stages of life, sacred directions, and seasons.
• Butterflies: Represents transformation and balance in life.

Design details by artist Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak) / Inuit:
• Ulu: Symbolic tool of the Inuit, represents sewing and food preparation.
• Midnight Sun: Offers light and colors for Inuit art and storytelling.
• Ocean Waves: Signifies hunting, traveling, and connection among Inuit communities.
• Inukshuk: Symbol of people, directions, and ancestors, connecting past and present.
• Delta Braid: Adapted from traditional Inuit adornment, represents family and region.
• Tusks: Borderless connection among Inuit, seen in clothing and artforms.

Design details by artist Jennine Krauchi / Métis:
• Métis Nation flag: Infinity symbol with fiddles.
• Métis sash: Traditional clothing accessory.
• Red River cart wheel: Versatile transportation tool.
• Beaded five petalled flower: Métis beadwork symbol.
• Spirit bead: Represents humility in Métis culture.

Engravers: Megan Currie (MC), Myrna Pokiak (M), and Jennine Krauchi (JK)

CANADA
JK MC
MP

Edge

20 Dollars

Transition obverse, One Ounce Silver Proof Coin
RCM# 208755
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 31.39 g
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (Maple Leaf)

Related coins

Transition obverse

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Bi-Metallic, 6.99 g, ⌀ 28 mm
Transition obverse

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Bi-Metallic, 6.99 g, ⌀ 28 mm