Kitchener artist designs new toonie
Posted Jul 19, 2021 05:00:00 PM.
Coin collectors can get their hands on a new two-dollar coin, designed by an artist in Kitchener.
The toonie is in circulation from the Royal Canadian Mint now, marking the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.
“It's pretty surreal, I'm completely honoured to be able to participate and contribute my artwork,” said Jesse Koreck.
The design shows what the mint called the tools of the trade, including a mortar and pestle, a vial, a flask. There are also blood cells, and the part that likely sticks out the most is the light blue-coloured design, which is insulin in it's monomeric form.
The light blue is the colour used to raise diabetes awareness across the world.
He said he's happy to contribute to a coin that will hopefully raise awareness to an issue impacting tons of Canadians every day.
As for putting the design together, Koreck admitted it was tough, considering the small surface to work with.
“When you think about the actual molecule of insulin, it's quite complicated,” he said, “We're trying to represent and pay tribute to the researchers, and also the science.”
The discovery of insulin came to be from the research of four individuals, including Frederick Banting, John Macleod, Charles Best and James Collip.
If you can't wait to discover the coin in your change, you can visit the Royal Canadian Mint website and get the coin now.
