2019 Canadian $1 Louis Riel: Father of Manitoba Proof Silver Coin (Special Edition)

2019 Canadian $1 Louis Riel: Father of Manitoba Proof Silver Coin (Special Edition)

In issuing the 2019 Special Edition Proof Dollar, the Royal Canadian Mint acknowledges, honours and celebrates the unique history of the Métis Nation. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to President Clément Chartier of the Métis National Council, President David Chartrand of the Manitoba Metis Federation, and Mr. Norman Fleury, for their guidance and collaboration in this tale of two nations whose histories are intertwined.

This year's special edition proof dollar highlights the contributions of Louis Riel (1844-1885), and those of the Métis Nation, to the story of Canada. A defender of Métis rights and a catalyst for change, Louis Riel was born 175 years ago in Saint-Boniface, in the province he later founded. In fact, it was 150 years ago that the National Committee led by Riel drafted an initial list of rights for the Métis Nation—a declaration in which land claims and language rights were preconditions to Manitoba's entry into Confederation.

This coin, which commemorates Louis Riel's place in history, is a celebration of the cultural legacy of the Métis Nation and its resilience. The struggles of the past haven't disappeared; they continue to echo through generations. There is hope, however, through the acknowledgement of Canada's troubled history and in the recognition of a founding people's sacrifices.

Your coin commemorates Louis Riel's place in history. Order today.

Features

FIRST APPEARANCE ON A CANADIAN COIN: This is the first Canadian legal tender coin to feature Métis Nation leader Louis Riel (1844-1885), and the first to feature the Michif language.
CELEBRATE MÉTIS HISTORY AND CULTURE THROUGH ART: From the looped form of the Métis sash to the beaded coat, this inspiring design seamlessly fuses art, symbolism and history. This is the first collaboration between the Royal Canadian Mint and artist David Garneau.
ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR ANNUAL OFFERINGS: A favourite with collectors, the Special Edition Proof Dollar is one of our most popular annual offerings.
TWO NATIONS, THREE LANGUAGES: The design includes Louis Riel's title in three different languages: Michif (the language of the Métis Nation), English, and French. While English and French are in keeping with Canada's official languages, both languages were also given official status in the Manitoba Act of 1870—as negotiated by Louis Riel.
A HISTORIC SIGNATURE: Your coin also includes an engraved reproduction of Louis Riel's signature.
SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE: Your coin includes a serialized certificate!
PURE SILVER: Your coin is crafted from 99.99% pure silver.
NO GST/HST

Design

Designed by Métis artist David Garneau, your coin features a portrait of Louis Riel (1844-1885). The Métis Nation leader and founder of Manitoba is wearing his fur-trimmed buckskin jacket, which is adorned with traditional floral beadwork. His Conventry sash forms one looped half of the emblem of the Métis Nation: an infinity sign that represents the unification of two cultures (European and Indigenous) and the immortality of the Métis Nation. The sash bears Riel's title in three languages: Michif (NIIKAANIIW POOR LA NAASYOON LII MICHIF), English (MÉTIS NATION LEADER) and French (CHEF DE LA NATION DES MÉTIS). An engraved reproduction of Louis Riel's signature appears below the word “CANADA”, the year “2019” and the face value, “DOLLAR”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Packaging

2019 Canadian $1 Louis Riel: Father of Manitoba Proof Silver Coin (Special Edition) comes encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: $1
Mintage: 15,000
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 23.17
Diameter (mm): 36
Finish: Proof