Royal Canadian Mint marks 25th anniversary of the territory’s founding with new silver $20 coin

The $20 denomination silver coin designed by Aija Komangapik is available now on the Royal Canadian Mint’s official website for $109.95 CAD (Image courtesy the Royal Canadian Mint)

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NationTalk: Nunatsiaq News – Inuk artist Aija Komangapik’s work will appear on commemorative collector coins celebrating Nunavut’s founding.

The coin is made of 99.99 per cent pure silver and marks the 25th anniversary of Nunavut’s founding, according to a Royal Canadian Mint news release Tuesday.

Nunavut became Canada’s third territory on April 1, 1999.

The coin features an image of an Inuk mother, which represents Nunavut, surrounded by a ring of markings reminiscent of traditional Inuit tattoos.

“Inside this ring representing the midnight sun, Nunavut cradles Nunavummiut (her people) inside the hood of a traditional amauti (parka), as they dance to the heartbeat of their mother,” the news release said.

The other side of the coin features an image of King Charles by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Komangapik was born and raised in Iqaluit but is now based in Gaspé, Que., according to her Facebook page. She is a 24-year-old visual artist, primarily working in digital media.

The $20 denomination silver coin is available now on the Royal Canadian Mint’s official website for $109.95.