Commemorating Black History: Hogan’s Alley – 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin

Resilience and community: Keeping the memory of Hogan’s Alley alive. Order today!

For half a century, it was known to outsiders for its good food and great music, but to its residents, Hogan’s Alley represented community, a place where entrepreneurial spirit and civil activism were woven into the fabric of life.

Vancouver’s first Black community, Hogan’s Alley flourished in the early 20th century when it was home to many Black porters who, through their unions, would later fight to gain recognition for Black Canadians within the labour movement. Women also played a central role in this community, many emerging as prominent organizers and entrepreneurs, operating restaurants and speakeasies that became not only local favourites, but cultural institutions that cemented the area’s reputation as a vibrant hub. Sadly, the community was lost in the 1960s when despite protests and resistance, the city began levelling it in the name of urban renewal—a devastating blow to its residents. The displacement and erasure of the Black community in Hogan’s Alley have had long-lasting effects.

Gone but not forgotten, Hogan’s Alley, its rich cultural mosaic, and the many contributions made by its residents—workers and activists, artists and athletes, business owners and community builders—are honoured on this 2025 Commemorating Black History coin.

Keep its spirit alive: Bring the story of Hogan’s Alley into your collection. Order today!

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Remembering the community of Hogan’s Alley. Crafted in 1 oz. of 99.99% pure silver, this coin brings you the story of Hogan’s Alley, Vancouver’s first Black community and a cultural hub that thrived until its demolition in the 1960s.
• A glimpse of the past. This is the first time Hogan’s Alley has been highlighted on a Royal Canadian Mint coin, and every engraved detail on the coin’s reverse has special meaning.
• Commemorating Black history. This is the seventh coin in the annual Commemorating Black History series, which honours the enormous contributions that Black Canadians have made—and continue to make—to Canada’s story. It is an inspiring celebration of resilience, community, innovation and determination.

• Highly intricate design. The reverse design consists of multiple vignettes that help tell the story of Hogan’s Alley, a once-bustling hub of Black culture in Vancouver.
• Maple leaf pattern. As with previous Commemorating Black History coins, the 2025 edition features a maple leaf pattern on its obverse.
• Low mintage. Only 5,000 coins available to collectors worldwide.
• Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
• No GST/HST

DESIGN

The reverse design by Canadian artist Kwame Delfish represents the spirit of Hogan’s Alley, Vancouver’s first Black community and a once-thriving cultural hub during the 20th century. While British Columbia’s provincial flower, the Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), lies at the centre, the surrounding images reflect the character and vibrancy of the neighbourhood (starting at the one o’clock position and moving clockwise): a cook at one of the women-owned chicken house restaurants; a Black railway sleeping car porter; a choir representing the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Fountain Chapel, Vancouver’s first Black church; and two different types of dancers, as well as a pianist, saxophonist and singer, all representing the incredible talent that was regularly on display in the community’s nightclubs and speakeasies. The obverse features a maple leaf pattern and the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nora Hendrix, grandmother of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, lived in Hogan’s Alley, where she co-founded Vancouver’s first Black church, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Fountain Chapel, in 1918. She later worked as a cook at Vie’s Chicken and Steak House, the most famous of the area’s chicken house restaurants that attracted locals and touring celebrities.

PACKAGING

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

The Artist: Click or tap here to enter artist’s name

“This coin pays homage to the vibrant community of Hogan’s Alley. While housing discrimination played an integral role in the settlement of Black Canadians as primary residents of this neighbourhood, it only tells part of the story. As an Afro-Caribbean designer, it was necessary for me to ground this piece in the rich culture and entrepreneurial prowess of this tenacious community. A thriving cultural hub that encompassed music, art and activism, the residents restored a sense of identity and belonging, strengthened solidarity and bolstered collective pride. The establishment of Black women owned businesses was remarkable despite the prevalence of racism and discrimination during that time. While short-lived, Hogan’s Alley is part of Canadian history that is to be celebrated. I hope I was able to capture the essence of this distinct community, while also amplifying Black settlement in Canada.” – Kwame Delfish, Artist

The Engraver: 

“The details are really astounding on this design! Every vignette should be considered its own little portrait, and each one needed to be sculpted with same amount of care and detail in order for them to come together so well at the end. We also opted to use a mix of frostings to introduce a bit of contrast between the different elements so they stand out from one another, but without putting the focus on a single element. It was all a balancing act—it’s challenging, but ultimately very satisfying work.” – Louis-Remi Labelle, 3D Artist-Engraver

The Product Manager:

“As an African-Canadian, the Commemorating Black History series makes my heart swell with pride. Having known very little about Hogan’s Alley, this was a journey of learning. Hogan’s Alley was a thriving cultural hub. However their contributions far exceeded the rich entertainment found there. The residents of Hogan’s Alley were civil activists, they were successful business owners and artists whose talents spanned generations. Exploring Hogan’s Alley revealed a tapestry of resilience and innovation, reminding us of the true legacy of this neighbourhood.” – Christa Bruce, Product Manager