Canadians will soon see a new design in their change, as the Royal Canadian Mint has released a $2 commemorative coin celebrating the life and work of Indigenous artist Daphne Odjig.
The coin, unveiled Thursday, highlights Odjig’s legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, known for her bold, original works and her role in ensuring Indigenous art gained recognition in Canada’s major galleries and abroad.
The design features elements from two of her celebrated pieces, The Folk Singer and The Indian in Transition, both part of the Canadian Museum of History’s collection in Ottawa.
Three million of the coins will be produced, with two million of them featuring colour. They will enter circulation as banks and businesses replenish their supplies of toonies.
“The Royal Canadian Mint is issuing a new $2 commemorative circulation coin recognizing the life and art of Daphne Odjig,” the Mint said in a statement, noting her leadership in transforming perceptions of Indigenous art.
Canadians can expect to encounter the new coin in everyday transactions in the coming weeks.