Release the Kraken
Gerald Gloade of Millbrook has second coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint
MILLBROOK, N.S. – A silver coin designed by Millbrook’s Gerald Gloade has made its debut in Germany.
Gloade began designing the Norse-themed Kraken coin last July. His motif was chosen by the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) and the silver collector’s coin was displayed at the World Money Fair in Berlin from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. The World Money Fair features coin displays from around the world.
“It’s exhilarating,” said Gloade. “I’m happy to see it finally released.”
The silver $10 coin is not for mass circulation, however. It is Cdn$350 to purchase.
One side features the Kraken, a legendary sea monster from Scandinavian folklore with characteristics of a squid. The other featues a profile of Queen Elizabeth II. It weighs two ounces and is made of .9999 pure silver bullion.
“This is brand spanking new,” said Gloade Friday. “I just saw it today for the first time.”
The original coin design theme was “Mythical Creatures.” This was changed to “Creatures of the North.” The Kraken itself is featured in Viking legends from Newfoundland. Norse settlers briefly settled on the island, but the community did not survive, likely due to lack of food and harsh climate.
Gloade designed his Kraken motif using both pencil sketches and his home computer in Millbrook.
This is not the first of Gloade’s designs to be chosen by the RCM. In 2017, his drawing of a First Nations beaver made it onto a nickel for the Canada 150 celebrations, picked from thousands of entries.
Beaver pelts were traded by Canada’s First Nations as a sort of currency. Gloade’s 2017 coin entered circulation, unlike his silver coin.
After his nickel success, the RCM invited Gloade to work with them again to design the silver coin. He was sworn to secrecy until recently.
Both coin designs were dedicated to Gloade’s grandchildren. The nickel was made in honour of his granddaughter, Nina, and the silver coin was for his new grandson, Lydian.
Gloade’s cousin Bob, chief of Millbrook First Nation, was pleased to see his relative’s success. He said both Gloade and fellow Millbrook local Alan Sylliboy have designed coins for the RCM.
“This will be the third coin produced by a community member, which is a significant part of the work done by local artists,” said Bob. “We’re proud of the work community members have done.”