The Royal Canadian Mint has launched a new toonie to commemorate the legacy of Haida artist Bill Reid, more than 20 years after his death.

The new $2 coin, which marks 100 years since Reid's birth, enters circulation Tuesday.

"The mint is delighted to add the story of Bill Reid's pivotal role in raising awareness of Haida art, and the traditions and culture it represents to the long list of circulation coins celebrating what makes us proud to be Canadian," said Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint in a written statement.

Reid's work is widely acknowledged for helping to bring global recognition and respect to Northwest Coast art.

Born in Victoria, B.C., in 1920 to a Haida mother and American father with Scottish-German roots, he began exploring his Haida heritage in his early 20s. Reid eventually became renowned for his detailed carvings, like Raven and the First Men - a cedar sculpture at the UBC Museum of Anthropology.

He died in 1998 after battling Parkinson's disease.

The artwork appearing on the toonie honouring his legacy is known as Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear. Reid painted it in 1988 on a ceremonial drum belonging to the Sam family of Ahousat, B.C.

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New toonie features work of Haida artist Bill Reid(https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/royal-canadian-mint-bill-reid-toonie-1.5666371)