OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In launching the
latest issue in its ongoing Commemorating Black History fine
silver coin series, the Royal Canadian Mint is honouring the
community of Amber Valley,
Alberta, founded in 1910 by
African American families from Oklahoma, Texas and other surrounding states. Seeking a
life away from segregationist laws, racial hostility and violence,
they journeyed to Northern Alberta
in response to the government of Canada's offer of free land in the Canadian
west. By 1910, approximately 300 men, women and children endured
and overcame new hardships as they tamed the Alberta wilderness to carve out a new life in
a thriving community that was renamed Amber Valley in 1931. Their inspiring
tale of spirit and determination is forever preserved on a
beautiful 99.99% pure silver collector coin.
Released in conjunction with the annual observance of Black
History Month, the 2024 $20 Fine
Silver Coin – Commemorating Black History: Amber Valley celebrates the legacy of an
exceptional group men and women who built one of Western Canada's earliest Black settlements.
It is available as of today.
"I appreciate the recognition this coin represents," said
Myrna Wisdom, Historian and
Co-Founder of The Black Settlers of Alberta and Saskatchewan Historical
Society. "The Black Settlers of Amber Valley are indeed deserving of this
recognition, which includes both my paternal and maternal
grandparents, as well as my parents."
"The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to contribute to the national
celebration of Canada's Black
History Month through a continuing series of silver collector coins
that captures important stories that define our shared heritage,"
said Marie Lemay, President and CEO
of the Royal Canadian Mint. "We are delighted to share the
inspiring story of Amber Valley
and the pioneering Black settlers who succeeded in building a new
life in a new land, as yet another example of the spirit and
resilience of Black communities across Canada."
The reverse design of this 99.99% pure silver coin, by artist
Valentine De Landro, is centered on
an imagined scene of a homesteader family arriving in Pine Creek,
Alberta in 1909 and peering over
the land that would become the thriving community of Amber Valley. The design includes a map
outline of the province of Alberta, enhanced by a bough of maple leaves.
The lower portion of the reverse depicts a wagon train of settlers
completing their long journey from the southern United States. The scene is framed by log
cabins, which were the first houses built by the intrepid Black
pioneers who were determined to make a new home in Northern
Alberta.
"For the composition, I needed to find a balance between what I
thought were two prevailing characteristics: the journey and the
community," said artist Valentine De
Landro. "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."
The obverse of the coin features the Susanna Blunt-designed transitional effigy of
Queen Elizabeth II, which includes a
special marking consisting of a vertical inscription of the dates
"1952" and "2022", separated by four pearls to symbolize the four
effigies that have graced Canadian coins throughout the
reign.
Limited to a mintage of 5,500, the 2024 $20 Fine Silver Coin - Commemorating Black
History: Amber Valley retails for $104.95. This new collectible may be ordered as
of today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267‑1871 in Canada, 1-800-268‑6468 in the US, or at
www.mint.ca. It will also be available at the Royal Canadian Mint's
boutiques in Ottawa and
Winnipeg, at participating Canada
Post outlets, and through the Mint's global network of dealers and
distributors.
Images of this coin are available here.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for
the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of
the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing
award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as
well as Canada's prestigious
military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the
Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver
refining services. As an organization that strives to take better
care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces
and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates,
the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices
in every aspect of its operations.
For more information on the Mint, its products and services,
visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and
Instagram.
Media are asked to contact: Alex
Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Telephone:
613-884-6370, reeves@mint.ca
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