Last updated on July 15th, 2025 at 08:57 am
Last Updated on July 15, 2025 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
After Black History Month, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on and honour the profound cultural legacy and significant contributions of Black communities in Canada. And the Royal Canadian Mint is joining in with its new release – the 2024 $20 Amber Valley Coin. Crafted from 99.99% pure silver, this coin is not just a collector’s item but also a symbol of resilience and unity in our shared history.
While you may be tempted to view it as just another collectible item, its significance runs far deeper than that. As a part of a stellar line-up of coins dedicated to commemorating the contributions of Black communities to Canadian history, this coin is a tribute to the rich heritage embedded in Amber Valley.
Today, let’s take a journey together to discover the story behind this extraordinary coin and the artist who brought it to life.
Creating History: The Story of Amber Valley Engraved in Silver
Amber Valley, located in the heartland of Alberta, has a rich narrative steeped in fortitude, as it was founded in 1910 by Black American families. This group of settlers faced immense discrimination and hostility in their home states. They were seeking a better life, free from the oppressive conditions they were subjected to in the South.
Now, close your eyes for a moment and envision a scene from 1909. Groups of courageous Black American settlers, around 300 men, women, and children, hailing from the southern parts of the United States like Texas and Oklahoma, commenced a life-changing journey to their new northern home.
They were enticed by the Canadian government’s offer of inexpensive land and took a leap of faith, boarding a train to Edmonton and then wagon trains to reach their destination of Pine Creek, later known as Amber Valley.
Their resilience and determination were evident when they arrived in Pine Creek, where they embarked on the challenging task of constructing a community from scratch. It is inspiring to consider their journey and the challenges they overcame to establish a new life for themselves and their families. The legacy of these founding families is a testament to the strength and ingenuity of the human spirit.
The story of Amber Valley is more than just about settlement; it’s about daring to dream and hoping for a life free from discrimination and prejudice. This relatively unknown story showcases how people immigrating to Canada over the years have brought their strengths, adding to the diverse mix that makes Canada rich in culture.
From Concept to Creation: The Artist Behind the 2024 Amber Valley Coin
Canadian artist Valentine De Landro is well-known not just in his home country, but globally, for his amazing illustrations. Widely known for his work in the comic book industry, De Landro’s contributions include impressive collaborations with both Marvel and DC Comics.
With a knack for symbolism and storytelling, his creations have played a key role in showcasing diverse voices and cultures. By combining art with narrative, he has become a prominent figure in contemporary illustration. The Amber Valley Coin truly reflects his dedication to celebrating Canadian history, showing De Landro’s deep grasp of representation and attention to detail.
his coin design intricately captures the homesteader family’s arrival in Pine Creek. De Landro masterfully breathes life into the family’s arrival, vividly portraying not just the event but also the pioneering spirit within the design.
This transforms the Amber Valley coin into more than just a collector’s item. Instead, it becomes a tangible expression of the hardworking and resilient community, weaving their story into each engraved detail.
Here’s a quick look at a breakdown of the coin design elements:
- Centred on a family portrait representing the Black settlers
- The middle left of the coin features the Alberta map outline for easy location referencing.
- The coin’s artwork portrays an image of Amber Valley beneath the newly-arrived settlers, capturing the immense courage and determination embodied by these pioneering individuals – a reminder of their incredible journey to establish a new life in uncharted territories.
- Illustration of a pioneer wagon journeying through the rugged terrain of Northern Alberta.
- The obverse displays a maple leaf pattern, along with Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait. Another added touch is the four pearls, each symbolizing one of her effigies on Canadian coinage, with dates on the sides showing how long she reigned.
- Limited to a mintage of just 5,500
Black History Month and the Royal Canadian Mint: A Tradition of Tribute
The Royal Canadian Mint’s unwavering commitment to commemorating the contributions of Black communities in Canada has led to the creation of an impressive lineup of coins that uphold and honour distinct historical milestones.
Emerging from incredible courage and cultural strength, each piece explores Canada’s diverse history influenced by the priceless contributions of its Black community. Look for these compelling commemorative tributes here at Colonial Acres Coins.
- 2023 $20 Coin: Commemorating Black History: No. 2 Construction Battalion
- 2022 $20 Coin: Commemorating Black History: The Underground Railroad
- 2020 $20 Coin: Black History Month: Willie O’Ree
Collecting these coins is not just about preserving history; it’s about understanding it and the crucial role that Black communities have played in it. Each coin serves as a unique chapter in this larger narrative, offering a physical connection to the past while also acting as a stepping stone to future dialogue and understanding on the path toward inclusivity and representation.
Preserve and Celebrate History with Commemorative Coins at Colonial Acres Coins
We’ve journeyed through Canada’s rich Black history, tracing back to the determined settlers of Amber Valley. Shedding light on historical coins that pay tribute to the courageous servicemen of the No.2 Construction Battalion, and beyond.
Each $20 coin shared not only commemorates these invaluable contributions but also sparks a deepened understanding of our collective past.
Delve further into this marvellous journey of heritage and resilience at Colonial Acres Coins. Expanding your coin collection is, in essence, expanding the narrative of Black Canadian history you hold in your hands. Let’s continue to celebrate, learn, and appreciate the abundance of narratives that shape our nation.
At Colonial Acres Coins, you can immerse yourself in an extensive selection of coins that narrate histories often left untold. From one-of-a-kind collectible coins to enchanting commemorative pieces, we offer an accessible gateway to explore and honour significant periods and people in Canadian history.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with not just coins, but stories crafted in silver, tales of valour, resilience, and heritage.
