2023 Canada 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Jean Paul Riopelle Commemorative Collector Keepsake Card

Through works that reveal a lifelong love of nature, and mosaics that reflect his belief in unconstrained creative expression, illustrious artist Jean Paul Riopelle (1923-2002) used his art to push boundaries and command the attention of critics and art lovers worldwide. His monumental fresco, L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg, is highlighted on the 2023 $2 commemorative circulation coin that is twice featured in each Commemorative Collector Keepsake Card, where they pay homage to this Montréal-born 20th century artist.

Though he is widely known for his abstract mosaics, Jean Paul Riopelle worked with a variety of mediums throughout his career. His L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg features spray-painted silhouettes– including the emblematic birds seen on this coin – that form symbolic representations of the life he shared with his former companion.

On the $2 coin’s reverse, the inner core adapts select elements of Panel 29 of L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg by Jean Paul Riopelle, while the outer ring bears the “Riopelle100” centenary mark (courtesy of the Riopelle Foundation). The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

Specifications:
RCM Number: 208343
Mintage: 50,000
Finish: Circulation
Artist: Jean Paul Riopelle (reverse of the $2 commemorative circulation coin), Susannah Blunt (obverse)

Special Features:
• Add the Mint’s adaptation of Riopelle’s L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg to your collection. The 2023 $2 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Jean Paul Riopelle coin celebrates the life and legacy of visual artist Jean Paul Riopelle (1923-2002), one of the most globally revered Canadian artists of the 20th century.
• Two $2 coins in one Keepsake Card. Each Keepsake Card includes both versions of the 2023 $2 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Jean Paul Riopelle commemorative circulation coin: one with colour and one without (engraved only). On the coin’s reverse, the inner core poignantly re-creates elements of Riopelle’s L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg.
• Features the transitional effigy. The 2023 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Jean Paul Riopelle coin is one of the few 2023-dated circulation coins to feature the transitional effigy and be destined for general circulation.
• Exceptionally rare for 2023. Your Keepsake Card also gives you 2023-dated versions of Canada’s classic $2, $1, 25¢, 10¢, 5¢ coins — a rarity in a year when these are only available as non-circulation coins (legal tender but not intended for general circulation).
• All are uncirculated coins. These coins have never been circulated: they all have a newly minted quality.
• Celebratory packaging. Your coins are packaged together in a colourful folder that allows for easy viewing of the coins and a timeline of key events in the life of Jean Paul Riopelle.
• Collect, keep and share. With 50,000 available and priced at just $24.95, this Keepsake Card is a great addition to any collection. It’s also an affordable introductory piece that makes it easy to share your interest in the theme, and in coin-collecting, with others.

Packaging:
The coins come packaged in a colourful, informative, ready-to-display collector card.

The ‘Riopelle100’ mark, created by Raphaël Melançon, appears on the coin courtesy of the Riopelle Foundation, in collaboration with which the coin was created. Panel 29 of L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg, 1992, acrylic and spray paint on canvas. Triptych, 1.55 m in height x 40.39 m in length. © Estate of Jean Paul Riopelle / Copyright Visual Arts - CARCC (2023).