Canadians wishing to leave a positive mark upon the landscape often turn to a great Arctic emblem, the inukshuk, whose open arms makes it a beautiful representation of Canada’s northern spirit. This reverse gold-plated coin celebrates a revered cultural icon that carries special meaning for the Inuit, and is cherished by all Canadians coast to coast to coast.
A revered northern emblem, the inukshuk shines bright on the reverse and offers a glimpse of the coin’s natural silver surface. A meticulously engraved design makes this a stunning showcase of an icon that has deep cultural and spiritual meaning in the Canadian Arctic, and has become a timeless symbol of Canada’s spirit of community and friendship.
The reverse design by Tony Bianco captures both the practical and spiritual essence of a symbol of “the True North, strong and free.” Reverse gold plating fills the field and gives the coin its rich, golden hue, while precision engraving re-creates the rocky northern landscape. At the centre, an Inuit stone marker rises up from a mound; the silver surface of the coin adds extra shine to this human-like landmark, which carries special significance as a communication tool and a hunting and navigational aid for the Inuit. Built from stacked stones of different sizes, this inukshuk stands like the guardian of its northern lands, its open arms pointing the way to the north as the stylized aurora borealis dances overhead.