The Royal Canadian Mint’s Commemorating Black History series honours the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present, whose achievements and struggles are an important part of Canada’s story and its journey towards greater inclusion and diversity.

This 1 oz. pure silver coin shines the spotlight on the Black Loyalists who re-settled in British North America (Canada) before, during and after the War of American Independence (1775-1783). Free and enslaved, they laid down roots in places like Birchtown, N.S., where they forged a legacy that is represented on this coin.

The coin’s reverse features the armorial bearings of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society granted in 2006 by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and designed by Darrel E. Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald.

On the shield, three Loyalist civil coronets represent the non-combatants who fled to British North America (Canada), while the ship’s wheel represents both the past (the ships landing in 1783) and the present (the Society’s focus on community development). The lion supporters symbolize the pride of Africa and the courage demonstrated by those who sought a better life in Nova Scotia. Beneath the shield, the province is represented by its official floral emblem, the mayflower, while the rock symbolizes the landings near Birchtown, N.S. The anchor in the crest honours the sacrifices of the families who undertook the journey, which is represented by the footprints in the mantling. The motto “THE HEART OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE IS IN YOUR ROOTS” speaks to the Society members’ interest in their heritage.

The obverse features a repeating maple leaf field pattern and the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

This coin has a limited mintage of 5,500 worldwide.

Good to know

99.99% pure silver
GST/HST exempt
Qualifies for free shipping

Product # 245690

$20 Pure Silver Coin Commemorating Black History: The Black Loyalists (2021)