The reverse design by Canadian artist Kwame Delfish features 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. A second ring features a repeating sequence of four Adinkra symbols (clockwise from top): the Asase ye Duru (“the Earth has weight”) symbol representing the divinity of Mother Earth, the Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (“Siamese crocodiles”) symbol of unity in diversity, and the Mekyia Wo (“I salute you”) symbol of respect and greeting, followed again by Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu. The outermost ring is anchored at the cardinal points by the maple leaf atop two Mpatapo symbols, echoing the innermost layer, while each quadrant displays the Asase ye Duru symbol flanked by two Nkonsonkonson (“chain link”) symbols representing unity and human relations, creating a sense of community and connectedness. The obverse features a maple leaf pattern and the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
“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. 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.”
KWAME DELFISH, ARTIST
From cloth to coin: Symbols of respect, peace, nature, community, diversity.
Originating from the Akan people of Ghana, Adinkra symbols hold deep meanings tied to values, proverbs, and historical wisdom. For many Black Canadians, especially those with roots in West Africa, this complex visual language serves as an anchor to a rich ancestral heritage that predates colonialism. Each symbol represents concepts such as respect (Mekyia Wo), peace (Mpatapo), and community (Nkonsonkonson)—themes that resonate strongly within Canadian Black History, where stories of migration, resistance, and cultural survival are central.
Rooted in African heritage and Black identity, the Adinkra symbols featured on the 2026 Commemorating Black History coin are not simply juxtaposed with Canadian values—they embody and affirm them, revealing a shared language of unity and human connection.
Visual language, ancestral wisdom. Celebrate Black History Month.
Special features
- Universal message. Crafted in 1 oz. of 99.99% pure silver, this coin brings together Adinkra symbols that honour the past, speak to shared values, and visually represent a continuing legacy of strength and community.
- Commemorating Black history. This is the eighth coin in our annual Commemorating Black History series, which honours the enormous contributions Black Canadians have made—and continue to make—to Canada’s story.
- Learn about the symbols and meanings. Includes a special card that explains the meaning of each Adinkra symbol on your coin’s reverse. This marks the first time Adinkra symbols have been featured on one of our coins.
- Low mintage. Just 5,000 coins are available to collectors worldwide.
- Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
- No GST/HST
- $259.95 CAD
Packaging
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.
