Last updated on September 29th, 2023 at 08:50 am
Last Updated on September 29, 2023 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
In 2021 The Royal Canadian Mint introduced the Generations Collection which releases a new coin yearly honouring Canada’s Indigenous peoples and designed by Indigenous artists.
The first coin in 2021 showcased the work of Nunatsiavut artist Jason Sikoak and tells the Inuit story of the sea goddess Nuliajuk.
The 2022 coin features the work of Métis artist Jennine Krauchi and relays the story of the Red River Métis.
Recently, the 2023 $20 Generations: Mi’kmaq Creation Story Fine Silver Coin was released and is the first coin in the collection to highlight one of Canada’s First Nations groups.
Imagine owning a piece of beautifully crafted history that tells a story dating back thousands of years. As a collector or enthusiast, this all-new coin offers you a chance to possess something truly remarkable. This fine silver coin, intricately designed by Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse, is not just a collector’s item, but a tangible representation of the rich and ancient Mi’kmaq creation story.
Why should you consider adding this unique coin to your collection? Continue reading to learn more about the story behind this coin design.
The Backstory Behind the $20 Mi’kmaq Coin Design
Like many of the First Nations groups, the Mi’kmaq have a rich tradition of oral storytelling. This coin depicts an artistic representation of the creation story that has been passed down for centuries. There are seven stages of creation detailed in the story.
- The sky is created and becomes the giver of life.
- The sun comes into being and creates both light and shadow.
- Mother Earth is created as a shared home for all living beings.
- The first man, Glooscap, is created by a bolt of lightning that hits the earth.
- The Grandmother is born from a rock and shares her wisdom about the natural world with Glooscap.
- Glooscap’s nephew is born from a whirlwind. He represents the future and teaches Glooscap about his responsibility to the younger generation.
- Finally, Glooscap’s mother is created to teach him about love and the people’s responsibility to care for one another.
Coin Artist Marcus Gosse
Marcus Gosse is a Mi’kmaq artist from Newfoundland. His passion for his heritage has led him to be a successful artist and to get his master’s degree in education so that he can share the stories and art of First Nations people with a younger generation.
As an artist, Gosse has a highly distinctive style that integrates the petroglyphs, hieroglyphs and symbols of his heritage. He frequently uses the ancient 8-pointed Mi’kmaq star in his work. He advocates for his people’s history and culture and is active in efforts to bring more attention to Mi’kmaq art through large outdoor displays and murals.
Gosse’s body of work has earned him a permanent installation at the Art Gallery of Novia Scotia, but interestingly, the Royal Canadian Mint became aware of his designs through his LinkedIn profile.
A Closer Look at the Unique Design Elements
The reverse of the coin shows Grosse’s artwork which offers a visual interpretation of the Mi’kmaq creation story. The coin has a central picture that is surrounded by four others in wedges that radiate outward from the middle.
The engraving in the center represents the first three stages of the Mi’kmaq creation myth.
You see the sky represented by a field of stars, the sun shown as Grosse’s signature image of the Mi’kmaq eight-pointed star and Mother Earth indicated through plant life and a majestic moose.
To the right of the center, Grosse has shown the fourth level, the creation of man. You see Glooscap holding an eagle feather. The eagle flies above him and the lightning bolt that created his life flanks him to the right.
Moving clockwise, the next image depicts the fifth level of creation which is the coming of Grandmother. She kneels before a fire that will help to sustain her people and is seen giving thanks to the marten whose life is sacrificed to provide the first meal for Glooscap.
The next image shows the birth of Glooscap’s nephew. He is born of the sea and is shown floating on waves with abundant seaweed and a fish below him. He holds a bunch of sweetgrass in his hands.
The final image represents the coming of Glooscap’s mother who teaches her son to love and protect all living things. She stands next to a wigwam that represents home and family.
Shop Colonial Acres Coins Today!
Are you looking to buy the new $20 Mi’kmaq coin or add some new coins to your collection? Look no further than Colonial Acres. With a vast selection of coins from the Royal Canadian Mint, this shop is a must-visit for any serious collector.
Not only do we offer a variety of limited-edition coins, but our staff can help answer any questions you may have about the world of coin collecting. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, Colonial Acres is the perfect place to find your next treasure. So why shop anywhere else? Come on in and start adding to your collection today!