A Modern Allegory : Borealia

She is bold, youthful, powerful yet peaceful — she is Borealia, who radiates strength and confidence on the reverse of this gold-plated, 99.99% pure silver coin. The symbolic figurehead is a modern take on a classic allegory, one that represents the collective spirit of Canadians in today’s world: hopeful and steady in our resolve, as we rise to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Building on the classic concept of a female national personification, artist Rebecca Yanovskaya offers a modern allegory for a modern Canada. Framed by waves and maple leaves that unite land and sea, Borealia is the image of strength and confidence as she stands against the majestic backdrop of Canada’s tallest peak, Mount Logan, which represents our soaring spirit of innovation.
Like the British figurehead Britannia, Borealia is clad in traditional robes, but with unique armour that hints at Canada’s journey since the colonial era. Every engraved element in this intricate design carries deeper symbolic meaning, including those that allude to the weight of history: the fur cape that represents Canada’s pre-Confederation past; the feather that pays tribute to Indigenous Peoples; and the poppies of remembrance woven into her hair. In one hand, Borealia holds the shield of the Arms of Canada; in the other, a dove of peace — a nod to Canada’s historic role as peacekeepers, but also to Canadians’ desire for peace. Facing forward towards the future, Borealia is strong, optimistic and steadfast, like the people she represents, whose ideals and spirit continue to shape and re-define the nation’s global future. With one foot reverentially set in the past, her name is an ode to one of the proposed names of our country leading up to Confederation: Borealia. The reverse includes the engraved year “2018”, the word “CANADA” and the face value “20 DOLLARS” engraved on a scroll banner. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

A MODERN ALLEGORY : BOREALIA - 2018 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 13- CANADIAN HISTORY and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.