2018 $3 The Thirteen Teachings From Grandmother Moon : Sucker Moon Silver Coin

In April, the sucker fish returns to spawn, having journeyed to the spirit realm to receive cleansing wisdom. As it swims through the water, it purifies the path for the spirits and cleanses the water beings. The life that flourishes within the stream and along its banks reminds us that we are co-partners in the journey of life—just as harmony exists within the stream, it can also reside within us. Once we find this inner harmony and healing, we can extend that healing to others through our peaceful presence and actions.

Special Features:

• FOURTH COIN IN A 13-COIN SERIES! This coin represents the fourth teaching from Grandmother Moon in Anishinaabe tradition, where the moon is seen as a living relation who makes 13 appearances throughout the year to guide and protect Mother Earth's children with gentle wisdom.
• POWERFUL DEPICTION OF ANISHINAABE THEMES AND TRADITIONS! This series beautifully showcases Indigenous art, celebrated for its beauty and deep representation of Anishinaabe themes and traditions.
• LOW MINTAGE! This unique work of art is limited to just 4,000 coins worldwide.
• 99.99% PURE SILVER! Crafted in 99.99% pure silver, this coin features stunning color and an exquisite proof finish that highlights every design detail.
• NO GST/HST! Enjoy this coin tax-free!

Design:

Algonquin artist Frank Polson has created a captivating image of a full moon low on the horizon, illuminating a leafless tree. On the left, a sucker fish swims downward along the edge of the coin, leaving a trail of bubbles in its wake as it turns toward the tree. The bold lines and vibrant colors within the black areas—a signature design element in woodland art—reveal the hidden life force within.

Did You Know…

Sucker fish swim upstream to spawn in April when the water reaches about 10°C, and a month later, the young fry return to the same lake or river as their parents. Even the smallest urban stream can swell with thousands of fish during the spawn, highlighting the importance of preserving seemingly insignificant habitats in nature.

Water holds profound significance in Indigenous life, symbolizing the blood of Mother Earth and the life-giving force for all beings. Women, who carry water within themselves during childbirth, have a special connection to this vital resource, and are the custodians of the knowledge of honoring and purifying it.

The moon exerts a powerful gravitational influence on Earth, affecting not just ocean tides but also the planet's crust, molten core, atmosphere, and even human physiology. Indigenous cultures across North America use lunar cycles to track time, often using the 13 large scutes on a turtle's back as a calendar. Each moon is associated with a specific teaching and reflects seasonal changes, as seen in the Anishinaabe Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings.

"Anishinaabe" translates to "the good beings" or "original person" and refers to the Algonquian tribes of the Great Lakes, such as the Ojibway, Algonquin, Ottawa, Nipissing, and others. While these tribes share cultural and linguistic similarities, each maintains its distinct leadership and identity. Anishinaabe art, often called "woodland art," depicts traditional scenes and is commonly known as "legend paintings" or "medicine paintings."