The Eagle: Hand-carved Western Red Cedar Kwakiutl panel, re-created in silver.

From the West Coast to your collection—this 2 oz. 99.99% pure silver selectively gold-plated coin pays homage to the rich artistic heritage of the Kwakiutl (Tsaxis) peoples of the Kwakwaka’wakw nation by showcasing a contemporary work of art that is rooted in traditional knowledge.

The coin’s design is inspired by hand-carved Western Red Cedar panels by Kwakiutl artist Jason Henry Hunt, including the wood-grain pattern and rope frame adorning both sides of this coin. Rendered in the Northwest Coast formline style and selectively plated with yellow gold on this coin, the carved work inspires awe for the high-flying Eagle, as he hunts in the skies above the Pacific Ocean, home of the Orca.

From Western Red Cedar to silver: A wood-grain texture and rope frame complete the look!

Good to know

A spotlight on Indigenous storytelling. Rich, diverse and full of meaning, Indigenous art in all its many forms is a visual representation of traditions carried forward, one generation at a time. This coin highlights the Kwakiutl carving tradition and features a culturally significant species: the Eagle.

Inspired by a Kwakiutl wood panel. Your coin’s reverse design is inspired by a Kwakiutl wood panel carved by artist Jason Henry Hunt. It has been re-created in 2 oz. of 99.99% pure silver, with selective gold plating highlighting the formline design style that is characteristic of Northwest Coast art.

Wood-grain pattern. On both the reverse and obverse, an engraved wood-grain pattern fills the field and a rope frames each design, mimicking the look of a Kwakiutl wood panel.

Rope frame. We pushed the striking process to the limit by adding a decorative rim—a cedar bark rope frame—to both sides of the coin.

A proud artistic legacy. Artist Jason Henry Hunt comes from a long line of internationally renowned Kwakiutl carvers and artists who have been instrumental in the survival and resurgence of Kwakiutl art.

Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.

No GST/HST.

Did you know?

A member of the famous Hunt family of Fort Rupert, B.C., Kwakiutl artist Jason Henry Hunt has inherited a proud artistic legacy that traces its roots from his father Stanley Clifford Hunt, through his grandfather Henry Hunt, and his great-grandfather Mungo Martin—a key figure in Northwest Coast art. Jason’s uncle, renowned artist Richard Hunt, has also contributed designs for several coins, including 2021’s Ramming Bighorn Sheep.

For the Kwakiutl, the Eagle is known as a master of the skies and also believed to have the closest relationship to the Creator. Flying so high that he can travel between the physical and the spiritual world. It is said that while the Creator sends messages down, the Eagle is capable of sending messages up.

Behind closed doors

“Here in the bay where I live, I watch the Eagles search for various fish and sometimes ducks as well. They’re adept at using the wind and water to their advantage, while also extremely patient. I’ve been fortunate to witness them hunting while Orca travel past at the same time—this is why I’ve shown the Orca’s dorsal fin in the waves of this design, with the Eagle playing in the air above.”

- Kwakiutl artist Jason Henry Hunt

“Bringing The Hunter design to life was both exciting and humbling. We wanted to preserve the unique, vibrant esthetics of the original work, but also challenge the boundaries of craftsmanship by adding relief to the coin’s rim and a wood grain texture to the field; ultimately, the result was a fusion of tradition and innovation.”

– Alicia Cook Sapene, Product Manager

“When we strike a coin from a set of dies, the coin fills from the centre towards the edge, with the rim filling last. So, when the profile of the rim changes, we don’t really know how it will fill. I worked closely with the Product Engineer and we used sophisticated tools that increase the probability of success, but until we trial the dies, the entire team is just holding its breath. There is nothing like the feeling of relief when the trial is completed successfully. I just loved The Hunter artwork, this coin was a joy to work on—in fact, I’m going to have to buy one.”

– Matt Bowen, Engraver

About the design

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.

Reverse: The Eagle

Your coin’s reverse was inspired by a hand-carved wood panel by Kwakiutl artist Jason Henry Hunt. Rendered in the traditional Northwest Coast formline style, the image depicts the Eagle—the master of the skies—hunting as it soars in the air, while the Orca’s dorsal fin appears in the waves below. To mimic the look of a carved Kwakiutl wood panel framed by cedar bark rope, the reverse and obverse both showcase an engraved wood grain texture and a rope along the rim.

Obverse: His Majesty King Charles III

The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Product # 246042

$30 Pure Silver Coin - The Hunter (2024)