2013 $20 A Story of the Northern Lights: The Great Hare

Description

Blending Indigenous storytelling with innovative minting technology, A Story of the Northern Lights: The Great Hare is a visually striking and culturally significant fine silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2013. This release honours an Odawa legend shared among Algonquin peoples, explaining the origin of the northern lights through the story of Nanahboozho, a revered cultural hero who could shape-shift into the Great Hare.

According to the legend, after creating Turtle Island, Nanahboozho travelled north and built great bonfires to remind his people that he was thinking of them. These fires rose into the sky and became the shimmering bands of light known today as the aurora borealis. This coin captures that moment with exceptional artistry, connecting Canada’s natural wonder to Indigenous knowledge and tradition.

Struck in 1 oz of 99.99% pure silver, the coin features a rare, uniquely shaped hologram that recreates the flowing movement of the northern lights across the night sky. With a limited mintage of just 8,500 coins worldwide, this issue is both a meaningful tribute and a highly collectible modern classic. As a pure silver coin, it is GST/HST exempt.

Special Features

• Celebrates an Odawa legend explaining the origin of the northern lights

• Features a rare, custom-shaped hologram mimicking auroral movement

• Struck in 99.99% pure silver with proof finish

• Combines engraving, hologram, and multiple finishes

• Limited mintage of 8,500 coins worldwide

• Includes serialized certificate of authenticity

• GST/HST exempt

Design

Designed by Métis artist Nathalie Bertin, the reverse depicts Nanahboozho as the Great Hare, seated beside a glowing fire whose flames rise upward and transform into the northern lights. The aurora is rendered using a colourful, uniquely shaped hologram that shifts with the light, creating a dynamic and immersive visual effect.

Engraved inscriptions include “CANADA,” the year “2013,” and the face value “20 DOLLARS.” The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Packaging

The coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint maroon clamshell, lined with flock and protected by a custom beauty box.

Specifications

• Year: 2013

• Face Value: $20

• Composition: 99.99% pure silver

• Weight: 31.39 g (1 troy oz)

• Diameter: 38 mm

• Finish: Proof

• Edge: Serrated

• Mintage: 8,500

• Series: A Story of the Northern Lights

• Artist: Nathalie Bertin (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

• Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II

Why Collect It?

This coin stands out for its respectful portrayal of Indigenous legend, innovative hologram technology, and refined Royal Canadian Mint craftsmanship. The low mintage, cultural depth, and dramatic visual presentation make The Great Hare a compelling addition for collectors of Canadian, Indigenous-themed numismatics, and advanced modern silver issues.