Ottawa, Ont., Feb. 6 / PRNewswire / – The mint is proud to introduce a new collector’s silver coin in honor of the black loyalists. The mint’s engravers meticulously reproduced the Black Loyalist Heritage Society’s crest as a tribute to the free and enslaved blacks who settled in British North America before, during, and after the American War of Independence. Many slaves were offered freedom if they joined the British side during the war. After putting new roots in Lower Canada and the Maritime Provinces, the struggles and achievements of black loyalists and their descendants are an important part of Canadian history, told on a coin available today.
“The mint prides itself on minting coins that honor Canada’s history, culture and values. This includes celebrating our diversity and recognizing the difficult chapters of our history,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are proud to issue our third coin, commemorating black history and recognizing the influential role black loyalists played in shaping the diverse land we know and love today.”
Black loyalists faced many hardships and the promise of a better life remained unfulfilled. Those who stayed in British North America despite the odds helped redefine Canada’s history and character. Today, the descendants of the black loyalists can claim an extraordinary legacy of courage and perseverance.
“Black Loyalists and their descendants helped shape communities from coast to coast long before this country was even called Canada, and their legacy inspires us to build an even better and more consciously inclusive country,” said Honorable Bardish Chagger, Minister for Diversity and Inclusion and youth. “As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the struggles and obstacles that black communities in Canada have, and still must, overcome, and we recognize and celebrate the tremendous contributions they continue to make to growth, wellbeing and make this country prosperous. “
The reverse of the coin features the Black Loyalist Heritage Society’s coat of arms, awarded by the Canadian Heraldry Authority in 2006 and designed by Darrel E. Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald.
“As a descendant of the Black Loyalists, I am proud that my ancestors were among the 3,500 African descent who came to Canada in 1783 and proudly wore their deeds,” said Cynthia Dorrington, Site Manager of the Black Loyalist Heritage Center. “They settled across Lower Canada, all hoping to create better lives for their families. Our rich history has shaped the collective history of Canada, and we are excited to share it on one beautiful silver coin.”
On the shield, three loyalist civil crowns represent the non-combatants who fled to British North America (Canada), while the ship’s wheel represents both the past (the ship’s landing in 1783) and the present (society’s focus on the development of the Community). The lion bearers symbolize the pride of Africa and the courage of those who sought a better life in Nova Scotia. Under the shield, the province is represented by its official flower emblem, the Mayflower, while the rock symbolizes the landing at Birchtown, Nova Scotia. The anchor in the coat of arms honors the victims of the families who made the journey, which is represented by the footprints in the sheath. The motto “THE HEART OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE IS IN YOUR ROOTS” appeals to the interest of members of society in their heritage. The coats of arms are also flanked by maple leaves.
The obverse shows a repeating maple leaf field pattern and the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
The 2021 $ 20 fine silver coin commemorating Black History is limited to a mintage of 5,500: The Black Loyalists is available in stores for $ 99.95. This new collector’s item can be ordered starting today from the mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or at www.mint.ca be ordered.
You can find pictures of this coin here.
Information on the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the state-owned company 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 and offers a wide range of specialized, high-quality coin products and related services on an international level. For more information about the mint, its products and services, see www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
For more information, please contact the press contact: Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Telephone:
613-884-6370, [email protected]
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_Black_Loyalists_Honoured_on_Royal_C.jpg
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