This 2013 $5 denomination fine silver coin features contemporary aboriginal art. The Royal Canadian Mint combined modern minting technology with a beautiful image from an ancient Native Canadian culture to create a modern classic work of art. The centre core of the coin is struck in pure niobium which has been naturally oxidized to refract light and create a rich rose magenta colour. The niobium core is then encircled by a ring of bright proof finish pure silver to create a brilliant frame and a striking contrast to the coloured centre. The mintage of this coin is just 6,500. HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

This coin design portrays the unique bond between mother and child with a joyous mother celebrating her latest catch with her baby in her amautik. It captures a lighthearted spirit and humour which has traversed time from the ancient culture to modern art. The back is engraved with the word “CANADA,” the date “2013” and the face value of “5 DOLLARS.” 

“Distance and proportion melt away on the great expanse of Arctic ice—and the Inuit woman would disappear into the landscape if it were not for the brownish-grey earth tones of her animal hide parka. Even then, it would take a trained eye to spot the dot of contrast against the frigid white that defines the Arctic for most of the year.”