In 2025, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a coin that merges art, culture, and history into a unique collector's item: the Folk Singer – 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin . Inspired by the work of Daphne Odjig (1919–2016) , one of Canada's most influential 20th-century artists and a pioneer of contemporary Indigenous art, this issue is not only a celebration of creativity but also a visual tribute to a woman who championed the visibility of Indigenous art on the national and international stage.
A design that sings with colors and shapes
The reverse of the coin features the artwork Folk Singer , adapted by the Royal Canadian Mint to enhance Odjig's characteristic vibrant colors and expressive lines. The design highlights a female figure playing a drum, enveloped by the stylized wings of a protective bird, with finely engraved details and touches of selective color.
Daphne Odjig's signature appears as a personal touch in the upper right corner, and the larger 38mm diameter allowed the engravers to preserve the most intimate details of the original artwork. The obverse features a portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by the artist Steven Rosati.
Image courtesy of the Royal Canadian Mint
Technical Specifications
- Composition: 99.99% pure silver with selective color
- Weight: 31.39 gr
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Nominal value: 20 Canadian dollars
- Finish: Proof
- Throw: 7,500 copies
- artists: Daphne Odjig (reverse), Steven Rosati (recto)
- Packing: Capsule encapsulated in a black case with a black beauty case
A tribute beyond numismatics
With this coin, Odjig becomes the first First Nations female artist to be honored on a Canadian circulating coin, and now also with this fine silver collector's piece. Her work is distinguished by its exploration of themes of love, family, identity, and community, always with a powerful aesthetic that blends tradition and modernity.
This limited edition offers collectors not only a wearable work of art, but also a piece of profound cultural and historical value. Like a limited mint, this coin encapsulates Odjig's legacy in a tangible object, certified by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Availability and purchase
The Folk Singer 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin is available for $129.95 CAD exclusively through the Royal Canadian Mint's official website. Due to its limited mintage of only 7,500 pieces , high demand is anticipated.
https://www.mint.ca/en/shop/coins/2025/folk-singer-by-daphne-odjig-1-oz-fine-silver-coin
The 2025 “Folk Singer” coin is more than just a piece of fine silver: it is a visual tribute to memory, artistic struggle, and the recognition of Indigenous cultures. With its vibrant design and limited edition, it stands as one of the most significant issues of the year, both for its numismatic value and its artistic and cultural message.
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