February 8, 2018 – The Royal Canadian Mint celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of legendary Shawnee war leader and War of 1812 military hero Tecumseh (1768-1813) with a $100 commemorative 14-karat gold coin.
Chief Tecumseh. Following a woodcarving by B.J. Lossing, ca. 1880
Warrior. Leader. Visionary. Fuelled by a desire to protect his homeland, Tecumseh (1768-1813) is remembered as one of the great military heroes of the War of 1812. On the 250th anniversary of his birth, this $100 14-karat gold coin is a celebration of the life and legacy of this legendary Shawnee war leader, whose beliefs, triumphs and sacrifice are woven into the complex fabric of this nation’s history.
Canada / 100 USD / 14-karat gold / 12g / 27mm / Mintage: 1,500.
A shining example of Royal Canadian Mint’s world-renowned craftsmanship, enhanced by the mirror-like shine of a beautiful proof finish, the engraved elements of this coin include a wealth of fine details that truly add dimension to the overall design. On the reverse, artist Bonnie Ross presents an ideal portrait of the legendary Shawnee war leader in three-quarter profile complemented by the name “Tecumseh” and the commemorative dates “1768-2018” in a stylistic 1812 typography. Tecumseh is depicted in his traditional Shawnee clothing with the King George III medal worn around his neck. Behind the carefully sculpted bust, a precision-engraved map of Upper Canada circa 1813 highlights Tecumseh’s key role as a military ally during the War of 1812, but the area above his right shoulder has added significance, it includes the sites of several major conflicts involving Tecumseh, including the Battle of the Thames where he was slain in 1813. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
For more information on the coin visit the Royal Canadian Mint website.
Read more on Tecumseh and the War of 1812 on History.