Canadian Black Heritage

The Royal Canadian Mint is celebrating Black History Month with the release of a 2026 $20 silver coin featuring Adinkra symbols that pay homage to the rich ancestral heritage of Ghana’s Akan people. Their visual iconography expressing values, proverbs, and historical wisdom has strongly influenced West African culture and holds special meaning for many black Canadians. 

“It is important to the Royal Canadian Mint that our coins help tell a more complete story of Canada by touching on diverse themes that highlight the experiences and cultural heritage of the many people who call Canada home,” says Simon Kamel, interim president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. 

Designed by Canadian artist Kwame Delfish, the reverse displays three concentric rings of traditional Adinkra motifs encircling a central maple leaf representing Canada. The innermost ring consists of a repeating vertical pairing of two Mpatapo symbols, the peace knot of reconciliation. The second ring features a sequence of motifs representing the divinity of Mother Earth, unity in diversity, and respect and greeting. The outermost ring is anchored at the cardinal points by the maple leaf atop two Mpatapo symbols, while each quadrant displays signs representing unity and human relations. The obverse features a maple leaf pattern and Steven Rosati’s effigy of Charles III.

“As an artist of Caribbean descent, I am deeply connected to the Adinkra symbols and the ancestral wisdom they carry from West Africa. Each symbol speaks to values of strength, unity, and purpose that continue to guide our communities today,” says Delfish. “Initially, I envisioned this design in a square arrangement to pay homage to the Adinkra cloth from which these symbols derived. However, as the design evolved, it became clear the circular arrangement would mirror the continuity of culture, connection, and collective resilience.”

Limited to a mintage of 5,000, the piece is available for CA$199.95 (US$147.37) on the mint’s website.