Thunderbird

One of the most powerful spirits in Northwest Coast mythology, the Thunderbird holds a special place of honour on this 99.99% pure silver coin. Beautifully engraved in ultra high relief, the Thunderbird seemingly emerges from the reverse, where a selective touch of colour reflects the expressive art style of the Kwakwaka’wakw.

A legendary mythological creature, the Thunderbird is a supernatural force of nature in this reverse design by Northwest Coast artist Andy Everson. Ultra high relief engraving mimics the deeply sculpted nature of traditional Kwakwaka’wakw carvings, and gives the Thunderbird the appearance of emerging from the coin’s silver surface. It is said that with every blink, the Thunderbird sends lightning bolts flashing across the sky, and every beat of its wings emits tremendous thunderclaps; in keeping with the expressive art style of the Kwakwaka’wakw, a selective application of colours add to the visual storytelling by drawing attention to the Thunderbird’s features and heightening the dramatic intensity of the lightning bolts. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
 

THUNDERBIRD - 2018 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 15- ART & CULTURE and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.