A 10-kilogram coin made of 99.99% pure gold, called 'The Dance Screen (The Scream Too). The Royal Canadian Mint.
A rare and unique pure gold coin created by the Royal Canadian Mint has sold for more than $1.5 million, setting a new auction record in Canada. The coin, titled "The Dance Screen (The Scream Too)," weighs an impressive 10 kilograms and is made of 99.99% pure gold. The auction took place on November 20, and the winning bid of $1,561,250 came from an anonymous buyer. This sale surpassed the previous record for a coin auctioned in the country.
The coin was created to honour Chief 7IDANsuu (James Hart), a renowned master carver from the Haida Nation on Canada’s west coast. The design on the reverse side of the coin features intricate images inspired by Hart’s original red cedar carving, which depicts various traditional Haida figures, such as a shaman, raven, beaver, eagle, frog, orca, and a mother bear with her cubs. These figures are significant in Haida culture and serve to showcase the beauty of their heritage.
The coin also features six pearlescent pieces of abalone shell along its edge, which shimmer and reflect light. These pieces emulate Haida copper shields, traditional symbols of wealth in the Haida Nation. The obverse side of the coin displays the effigy of King Charles III, designed by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
Marie Lemay, the president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, expressed excitement and pride over the sale, saying, "We are thrilled by the collector's interest in this unique coin and delighted that the skill of the Royal Canadian Mint and the talent of Chief 7IDANsuu (James Hart) have been recognized." This recognition emphasizes both the artistic and cultural significance of the coin, as well as its value as a collector's item.
The coin's box. (The Royal Canadian Mint)
The auction, conducted by Heffel Fine Art Auction House, was praised by David Heffel, the president of the auction house. He described the coin as "an extraordinary privilege" to auction and highlighted its importance as a significant piece of Canadian art. According to Heffel, the coin stands as a lasting symbol of the Haida Nation's cultural heritage and continues to inspire as an iconic piece of artwork.
The sale of this coin is not just a milestone for Canadian coinage but also a reflection of the enduring value placed on indigenous art and craftsmanship. The unique design and historical context of the coin make it a cherished item for collectors and art enthusiasts alike, ensuring its legacy will be appreciated for generations to come.
