This 2016 $10 pure silver coin is the first in an Iconic Canada reverse gold-plated series that celebrates the Canadian spirit through an iconic symbol. This coin features the Inukshuk, an Inuit stone structure, conveying friendship and guidance.

The Design:

The design by Canadian artist Tony Bianco features the Inukshuk.  The center of this silver coin focuses on an Inukshuk on a frozen surface.  A striking gold background contrasts with the coin’s engraved elements, which gives the stone a life-like quality, and shine.  The human-like shape is formed by stacking different size flat stones that would be used for the arms, and rounded boulders that would form the legs and head.  The reverse is engraved with the words "CANADA," the date "2016" and the face value of "10 DOLLARS".  It weighs just over one half ounce of 99.99% fine silver and has a diameter of 34 mm. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt. 

About the Inukshuk:

The Inuit and other migratory people of the High Arctic have used the tools provided to them by nature to not only thrive in one of the planet's most hostile climates, but also help to ensure the survival of others in their region. One of these tools is the Inukshuk. Its name meaning "a thing that acts on behalf of a person," an Inukshuk (pronounced "inook-shook") is a sculpture of piled stone used as a place marker, navigational aid and communication tool. The arrangement of stones indicates the purpose of the marker. The directions of arms or legs could indicate the direction of an open channel for navigation, or a valley for passage through the mountains. An Inukshuk without arms would act as a marker for a cache of food.