The Royal Canadian Mint is paying tribute to a major chapter in Canadian historical past with its “2025 Superb Silver Commemorating Black Historical past” coin, which was launched on February 4, 2025. This coin honours Hogan’s Alley, a historic Black neighborhood that when thrived in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighborhood till it was demolished within the Nineteen Seventies for a highway viaduct venture.
Hogan’s Alley, established within the late nineteenth century, grew to become a significant hub for Black households, porters working for the Nice Northern Railway, and entrepreneurs who ran small companies, leisure venues, and beloved eating places. It was a spot of tradition, resilience, and unity—a Black neighborhood the place artwork, music, and activism flourished. But, this thriving neighborhood was destroyed when the town prioritized city growth over the preservation of its cultural significance, ensuing within the lack of a singular a part of Vancouver’s heritage.
In recognition of Hogan’s Alley’s legacy, the Mint’s 2025 collector coin encompasses a design that brings the spirit of the neighborhood again to life. The reverse facet of the coin, created by artist Kwame Delfish, showcases a wealthy collage of figures representing Hogan’s Alley’s various cultural and creative life. Included are a prepare dinner from a women-owned restaurant, a railway porter, dancers, musicians, and a choir, symbolizing the realm’s energetic leisure scene. On the heart of the design is the Pacific Dogwood, British Columbia’s provincial flower, including an area contact to the art work.
This coin is greater than only a collectible; it’s a tribute to a misplaced neighborhood and the individuals who made it thrive. Djaka Blais, Govt Director of the Hogan’s Alley Society, displays on its significance: “This commemorative coin is a significant acknowledgment of the historical past and spirit of Hogan’s Alley, and we hope it conjures up ongoing efforts to honor and restore the legacy of this vibrant neighborhood.”
For the Mint, this coin represents a broader dedication to preserving the various tales of Canada’s heritage. Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, acknowledged, “Crafting cash that breathe new life into tales that mirror the total breadth of Canada’s heritage…spotlight fascinating chapters of Black historical past in Canada.”
The coin’s obverse options the enduring maple leaf sample and an effigy of King Charles III, additional linking this piece to Canada’s identification. The mintage of this commemorative coin is restricted to solely 5,000, with a retail value of $119.95, obtainable for buy by means of the Mint’s web site, its boutiques, Canada Put up shops, and a worldwide community of sellers.
Kwame Delfish, the artist behind the design, emphasised the cultural significance of the piece: “A thriving cultural hub that encompassed music, artwork, and activism…strengthened solidarity and bolstered collective delight. I hope I used to be capable of seize the essence of this distinct neighborhood.”
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