Canada 2-DOLLARS (2020)

This coloured circulating commemorative coin was issued in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Canadian/Haida artist Bill Reid. William Ronald Reid Jr. (1920-1998) produced over one thousand pieces of original art in his life, including sculpture, jewelry, screen printing, and paintings. He is considered to be one of the most important Northwest Coast artists of the 20th century.

The reverse features Reid's depiction of "Xhuwaji (Grizzy Bear)" and originally appeared on a ceremonial drum. Since Reid first created the original version, the spelling of grizzly bear has evolved to xuu.ajii due to changes in the phoenetic structure of the written Haida language. Xuu.ajii was a favourite character of Bill Reid's and is an important crest among the Haida Nation and plays a significant role in ancient Haida narratives.

Thanks to Maria who purchased the Bill Reid coins in Russia, and sent them back to me in Canada for the Coin Zoo. Otherwise, they wouldn't be here since it can take years for coins like this to show up in your change, and the Royal Canadian Mint offers no way for a Canadian collector to obtain the coins without spending an obscene amount of money on "souvenir" packaging. Thanks, Maria!