By Tinig Migrante
If you have bought your Bert Monterona-designed coin, congratulations! You now own a Monterona work of art and a true collector’s item
The recent gold and silver coins from the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) are historic. This set of coins is the first collaboration of the RCM with the internationally acclaimed visual artist Bert Monterona. Yes, our very own Bert Monterona! And this collaboration has put the Filipino community, the contributions of Filipinos in Canada on the map. Or, maybe it has strongly reminded everyone (again) that nearly a million Filipinos in Canada make a difference every day in the life of Canada.
The coin set, described as “shining in gold and silver”, is truly a symbol of Filipino-Canadian cultural celebration. It celebrates Canada’s diversity, resilience and unity.
Monterona’s coin design features elaborate symbolic motifs that represent “unique facets of Filipino culture and the enduring values of resilience and unity.” Monterona’s Lumad origins, his roots in Mindanao, his decades-long practice of art are evident in the design of the coins. Look for the rope, the patterns of mountain ranges and banderitas. Find the sarimanok, the mythical bird, the Canadian sugar maple leaves, the plant-based okir motifs, the heart, and of course the pearl at the centre.
The obverse side of the coin shows the familiar face of King Charles III designed by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. The face value of the silver coin is $20; for the gold coin it is $200.
The Bert Monterona-designed coins are coveted not only by collectors, but also by Filipinos who have bought the coins as special gifts for perhaps birthdays, christenings, anniversaries, or as investments. Someone I know who bought a silver coin waited excitedly for the package to come in the mail and she even managed to ask for Monterona’s signature on the serialized certificate. She now calls her friends who used their savings to purchase a Bert Monterona coin, the Bert Monterona Fans Club!
You probably want to get one of the coins, right? The silver coin with the imitation mother of pearl is the affordable one. You can go to the RCM site www.mint.ca to check the details.If you are like me, saving up to buy a coin, be mindful that the copies are limited. The 99.9% pure silver coin with the imitation mother of pearl is way cheaper than the 99.9% puregold coin! There are 5,500 silver coins minted and only 275 (!) gold coins with the genuine mother of pearl minted worldwide.
Monterona, contrary to what many people choose to believe, did not get his silver and gold coins from the RCM. Like the rest of us, he has to buy his coins!
You make us all proud, Bert. Maraming salamat!
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CAPIONS: The Bert Monterona Fans Club! R-L: Bert Monterona with Mylene Maranoc, Marlene Cudiamat, Alda De Aza holding their Filipino Heritage coins!
Bert Monterona signing the coin’s serialized certification.
Photo credit: Royal Canadian Mint
ReyFort Media 
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