2020 Canadian $20 Black History Month: Willie O'Ree - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

2020 Canadian $20 Black History Month: Willie O'Ree - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

When Willie O'Ree stepped onto the ice on January 18, 1958, he wasn't just making his National Hockey League® (NHL) debut—he was making history. Celebrate Black History Month with this pure silver tribute to Canadian-born hockey player Willie O'Ree, who became the first Black player to compete in the NHL. A story of courage and determination, O'Ree had to overcome discrimination and a competitive disadvantage to make his hockey dreams come true in the Original SixTM era. By breaking the league's racial barrier, O'Ree's legacy can't be found in any scoring stats—it's in the path he carved for future generations of Black players who left their own imprint on the game.

Your coin honours Willie O'Ree, the first Black player to compete in the NHL. Order today!

Features:

JUST IN TIME FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH: This coin is our way of bringing attention to trailblazing Black Canadians and their contributions to advancing equality in Canada (and beyond).
WE HONOUR A HOCKEY PIONEER: Born and raised in Fredericton, N.B., Willie O'Ree broke racial barriers in the Original Six era by becoming the first Black player in the NHL.
OFFICIALLY LICENSED NHL PRODUCT. Crafted from 99.99% pure silver, our tribute to the former NHL player-turned-ambassador for diversity is an officially licensed product of the NHL.
FEATURES O'REE'S PLAYER PHOTO: The coin's design re-creates O'Ree's photograph from his playing days with the Boston Bruins (1958, 1960-61).
SUBTLE FIELD PATTERN: The Boston Bruins team logo forms a repeating background pattern that is more prominent when viewed from a different angle or under certain lights.
INCLUDES HIS SIGNATURE. To give the coin a more personal touch, the design also reproduces O'Ree's signature above his jersey number.
SPECIAL PACKAGING: Custom packaging complements the coin design and extends the celebration beyond the coin.
INCLUDES SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE! The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
LIMITED WORLDWIDE MINTAGE! Your coin has a limited worldwide mintage of 5,500 coins!
1 OZ. PURE SILVER! Your coin is crafted from one ounce 99.99% pure silver.
NO GST/HST!

Design:

The reverse design re-creates a photograph of Hockey Hall of Fame member Willie O'Ree from his playing days with the Boston Bruins (1958, 1960-61). O'Ree's signature is reproduced above his jersey number ("22"), while in the background, the Boston Bruins logo forms a repeating field pattern. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Packaging:

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded custom packaging that complements the coin design and extends the celebration beyond the coin.

Specifications:

Face Value: $20
Mintage: 5,500
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter (mm): 38
Finish: Proof