- Country:Canada
- Collection:Gold Commemorative $10
- Metal:Gold
- Year:2020
- Denomination:$10
- Finish:Complete
- Weight (oz):0.05
- Purity:0.9999
- Mintage:4000
- Product type:Coin
Meet the newest addition to our range of gold collector coins: a 1/20 oz. pure gold piece that is the perfect mix of art, allure, and affordability. The qulliq on this coin is the hopeful light that burns bright on a dark night - the light that warms the mind, body and spirit. Like the inuksuit landmarks that guide the way, the traditional oil lamp is an important symbol of Inuit culture:it represents hearth and home in the Arctic, whereit embodies the strength and care provided by the women who nurture its flames.
An affordable way to add a pure gold pieceof the Arctic to your collection. Order today!
Special features:
ARCTIC GOLD: This Arctic celebration is crafted from 100% Nunavut-sourced gold that comes from two different mines: Agnico-EagleMines' Meadowbank Gold Mine located near Baker Lake, Nunavut, and TMAC Resources' Doris North Mine at Hope Bay.
A PROUD CULTURAL CELEBRATION: The Inuit-inspired design is a proud statement on cultural diversity in Canada and features deeply symbolic elements that are important expressions of Inuit identity.
FOR VALUE-MINDED COLLECTORS: The 2018 Symbols of the North and the 2019 20th Anniversary of Nunavut coins were both struck on a thinner (but larger) blank for greater affordability. For 2020, we've taken it one step further by introducing one of the year's most affordable 99.99% pure gold offerings: a 1/20 oz. coin.
NEW SIZE: This is the firsttime we've struck a stand-alone collector coinon a 1/20 oz. gold blank-a size that, until now, was only available with bullion products or as part of a fractional set.
LOW MINTAGE: Only 4,000 coins will be made availabl worldwide.
A GREAT ADDITION: Ideally priced and impeccably crafted, this coin is the perfect new addition to any gold- or Arctic-themed collection.
Design:
The reverse design by Inuk artist Ulaayu Pilurtuut is a contemporary-styled celebration of Inuit culture, identity, and way of life. Surrounded by inuksuit that symbolize community and guidance, the Inuk woman at the centre of the image tends to the traditional qulliq, an Inuit oil lamp that provides light and warmth. The obverse features the effigy ofHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
"My artwork is very important to me because it represents my culture in many different ways. Andthis design has special meaning for me because a qulliq represents our way of life. My ancestors used it for cooking their meals, and for heating their tents made out of seal skins and the illuvigaq (Igloo). They also used it to dry their clothing and to light their homes. The inuksuk is also very important in our lives because they are used as landmarks tofind your location, to indicate where animals havepassed and to mark the area as a successful hunting spot." Ulaayu Pilurtuut: Artist
"It was a challenge to use alight touch when burnishing and polishing the coinbecause you don't want to ruin the fine details on such a small coin. Care must be had to ensure that the quality of the design and the sculpt hold true-fine tools, a steady hand and patience are key." Aida Alves, Engraver, Royal Canadian Mint
Did you knowÃ
Both land and sea provide the materials for the qulliq: rendered seal fat or blubber is used as slow-burning fuel, which gets absorbed by tufts of Arctic cotton and moss that serve as lamp wicks.
Two of the cultural icons featured on this coin appear side-by-side on the Arms of Nunavut: a qulliq and an inuksuk (the stone land marker is also on the territorial flag).
