Over 1 billion circulation coins are minted each year at our high-tech plant in Winnipeg.
The effigy of our monarch has appeared on every Canadian coin produced by the Mint since 1908.
Reverse designs, however, have changed considerably over the years to reflect the changing face
of our diverse culture.
Mintage refers to the quantity of coins produced in a given period and can influence the
value of a coin: lower mintages tend to be more in demand because they are scarcer. The
physical specifications of circulation currency are essential to an understanding of a coin's
history, composition and design. This information allows collectors to determine a variety
of characteristics, particularly mintage.
Choose a denomination and follow its design, technical specifications and mintages through
history.
A national symbol–the 1-cent coin
The maple leaf is a proud and distinctive Canadian symbol, appearing on all Canadian coins
minted between Confederation and 1935. The modern 1-cent coin features two maple leaves on the
same twig. The design, created by G.E. Kruger Gray, was first used in 1937 and has remained
unchanged with one exception: in 1967, a rock dove designed by renowned Canadian artist Alex
Colville appeared on the reverse to celebrate Canada's Centennial. Countess Grey struck the
first 1-cent coin on January 2, 1908 at the official opening of the Ottawa branch of the Royal
Mint (which became the Royal Canadian Mint in 1931).
Reverse side designs | Technical specifications | Mintages
Reverse side designs
1858-1920
The maple leaf wreath
1858-1911
This 1-cent coin features the design of L.C. Wyon of the Royal Mint. It portrays maple
leaves wrapped around a vine.
1911-1920
W.H.J. Blackmore designed this reverse of the 1-cent coin. The representation of maple leaves
wrapped around a vine was kept.
1920-1936
The two maple leaves
This design, created by Fred Lewis, coincided with a reduction in the 1-cent coin's
diameter.
1937-1966, 1968-1981, 1997-present
The maple leaf twig (round coin)
In 1937, as part of an effort to modernize Canada's coins, G.E. Kruger-Gray created the maple
leaf twig design. His initials appear on the right.
1967
The centennial 1-cent coin
Alex Colville created a special set of coin designs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of
Canadian Confederation; the penny features a rock dove in flight.
1982-1996
The maple leaf twig (12-sided coin)
The shape of the maple leaf twig was altered to make identification easier for the visually
impaired. The coin reverted to the round design in 1997.
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Technical specifications
1908 to 1920
Composition: 95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc
Weight (g): 5.67
Diameter (mm): 25.4
Thickness (mm): n/a
1920 to 1941
Composition: 95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc
Weight (g): 3.24
Diameter (mm): 19.05
Thickness (mm): 1.65
1942 to 1977
Composition: 98% copper, 0.5% tin, 1.5% zinc
Weight (g): 3.24
Diameter (mm): 19.05
Thickness (mm): 1.65
1978 to 1979
Composition: 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc
Weight (g): 3.24
Diameter (mm): 19.05
Thickness (mm): 1.52
1980 to 1981
Composition: 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc
Weight (g): 2.8
Diameter (mm): 19
Thickness (mm): 1.45
1982 to 1996
Composition: 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc
Weight (g): 2.5
Diameter (mm): 19.1
Thickness (mm): 1.45
1997 to 1999
Composition: 98.4% zinc, 1.6% copper plating
Weight (g): 2.25
Diameter (mm): 19.05
Thickness (mm): 1.45
2000 to date
Composition: 94% steel, 1.5% nickel, 4.5% copper plating or copper plated zinc
Weight (g): 2.35
Diameter (mm): 19.05
Thickness (mm): 1.45
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Mintages
1908 - 1909
1908 - 2,401,506
1909 - 3,973,339
1910-1919
1910 - 5,146,487
1911 - 4,663,486
1912 - 5,107,642
1913 - 5,735,405
1914 - 3,405,958
1915 - 4,932,134
1916 - 11,022,367
1917 - 11,899,254
1918 - 12,970,798
1919 - 11,279,634
1920-1929
1920 - 22,246,170
1921 - 7,601,627
1922 - 1,243,635
1923 - 1,019,022
1924 - 1,593,195
1925 - 1,000,622
1926 - 2,143,372
1927 - 3,553,928
1928 - 9,144,860
1929 - 12,159,840
1930-1939
1930 - 2,538,613
1931 - 3,842,776
1932 - 21,316,190
1933 - 12,079,310
1934 - 7,042,358
1935 - 7,526,400
1936 - 8,768,769
1937 - 10,090,231
1938 - 18,365,608
1939 - 21,600,319
1940-1949
1940 - 85,740,532
1941 - 56,336,011
1942 - 76,113,708
1943 - 89,111,969
1944 - 44,131,216
1945 - 77,268,591
1946 - 56,662,071
1947 - 74,949,349
1948 - 25,767,779
1949 - 33,128,933
1950-1959
1950 - 60,444,992
1951 - 80,430,379
1952 - 67,631,736
1953 - 67,806,016
1954 - 22,181,760
1955 - 56,403,193
1956 - 78,685,535
1957 - 100,601,792
1958 - 59,385,679
1959 - 83,615,343
1960-1969
1960 - 75,772,775
1961 - 139,598,404
1962 - 227,244,069
1963 - 279,076,334
1964 - 484,655,322
1965 - 304,441,082
1966 - 183,644,388
1967 - 345,140,645
1968 - 329,695,772
1969 - 335,240,929
1970-1979
1970 - 344,145,010
1971 - 298,228,936
1972 - 451,304,591
1973 - 457,058,489
1974 - 692,058,489
1975 - 642,618,000
1976 - 701,122,890
1977 - 453,050,666
1978 - 911,170,647
1979 - 753,942,953
1980-1989
1980 - 911,800,000
1981 - 1,209,468,500
1982 - 876,036,898
1983 - 975,510,000
1984 - 838,225,000
1985 - 771,772,500
1986 - 788,285,000
1987 - 774,549,000
1988 - 482,676,752
1989 - 1,066,628,200
1990-1999
1990 - 218,035,000
1991 - 831,001,000
1992 - 673,512,000
1993 - 808,585,000
1994 - 639,516,000
1995 - 624,983,000
1996 - 445,746,000
1997 - 549,868,000
1998 - 999,578,000
1999 - 1,089,625,000
2000 - 2008
2000 - 902,506,000
2001 - 928,434,000
2002 - 830,040,000
2003 - 748,123,000
2004 - 842,486,000
2005 - 767,425,000
2006 - 1,261,883,000
2007 - 846,420,000
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Industrious, enduring–the 5-cent coin
The beaver has a long history in Canada as both commodity and cultural icon. The Hurons
honoured the beaver hundreds of years ago as the totem of their tribe. Native peoples used the
beaver emblem to sign treaties with the first colonists. Since then the beaver has appeared in
the heraldic bearings of Québec City and Montreal and even marked Canada's first postage stamp.
The beaver coin design was created by Canadian artist G.E. Kruger Gray and was first used in
1937.
Reverse side designs | Technical specifications | Mintages
Reverse side designs
1858-1921
The crossed maple boughs
The two crossed maple boughs appeared on all 5-cent coins from 1858 to 1921. These coins were
nicknamed ?fish scales? for their tiny size; their diameter is only 15.5 mm ? smaller than the
current dime!
1922-1936
The two maple leaves
W.H.J. Blackmore's redesign of the 5-cent coin coincided with the increase of the coin's
diameter.
1937-1942, 1946-1950, 1952-1966, 1968-present
The beaver
The beaver design was created in 1937 by G.E. Kruger-Gray as part of a coin modernization
effort.
1942-1963
The 12-sided coin
Five-cent coins were made of nickel from 1921 to 1942. However, nickel's importance in the
production of war materials demanded the development of another metal for coinage. Tombac, a
kind of brass, was chosen as the replacement and was used until 1946. The 5-cent coin featured
12 sides to distinguish it from the one-cent coin.
1943-1945
The victory coin
Thomas Shingles created and engraved this design intended to stimulate the war effort. The
message "We Win When We Work Willingly" is engraved in Morse code on the rim of the coin.
1951
The identification of nickel
In 1751, Swedish scientist A.F. Cronstedt successfully identified and named nickel. Canada, the
world's largest nickel producer, commemorated the discovery with Stephen Trenka's design
depicting a nickel refinery.
1967
The centennial 5-cent coin
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Confederation, Alex Colville created a special set of
designs for all coin denominations. The five-cent coin features a hopping rabbit.
2005
Victory Anniversary Nickel
The 2005 Victory Anniversary Nickel honours the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. This
special circulation coin is a representation of the 5-cent coin created in 1943 to promote the
Canadian war effort.
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Technical specifications
1908 to 1919
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 1.167
Diameter (mm): 14.494
Thickness (mm): n/a
1920 to 1921
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight (g): 1.167
Diameter (mm): 14.494
Thickness (mm): n/a
1922 to 1942
Composition: 99% nickel
Weight (g): 4.54
Diameter (mm): 21.21
Thickness (mm): 1.7
1942 to 1943
Composition: 88% nickel, 12% zinc (tombac)
Weight (g): 4.54
Diameter (mm): 21.21
Thickness (mm): 1.7
1944 to 1945
Composition: chrome plated steel
Weight (g): 4.54
Diameter (mm): 21.21
Thickness (mm): 1.7
1946 to 1951
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 4.54
Diameter (mm): 21.21
Thickness (mm): 1.7
1951 to 1954
Composition: chrome plated steel
Weight (g): 4.54
Diameter (mm): 21.21
Thickness (mm): 1.7
1955 to 1981
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 4.54
Diameter (mm): 21.21
Thickness (mm): 1.7
1982 to 1999
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight (g): 4.6
Diameter (mm): 21.2
Thickness (mm): 1.76
2000 to date
Composition: 94.5% steel, 3.5% copper, 2% nickel plating
Weight (g): 3.95
Diameter (mm): 21.2
Thickness (mm): 1.76
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Mintages
1908-1909
1908 - 1,197,780
1909 - 1,890,865
1910-1919
1910 - 5,850,325
1911 - 3,692,350
1912 - 5,863,170
1913 - 5,588,048
1914 - 4,202,179
1915 - 1,172,258
1916 - 2,481,675
1917 - 5,521,373
1918 - 6,052,289
1919 - 7,835,400
1920-1929
1920 - 10,649,851
1921 - 2,582,495
1922 - 4,763,186
1923 - 2,475,201
1924 - 3,066,658
1925 - 200,050
1926 - 933,577
1927 - 5,285,627
1928 - 4,588,725
1929 - 5,562,262
1930-1939
1930 - 3,685,991
1931 - 5,100,830
1932 - 3,198,566
1933 - 2,597,867
1934 - 3,827,303
1935 - 3,900,000
1936 - 4,400,450
1937 - 4,593,263
1938 - 3,898,974
1939 - 5,661,123
1940-1949
1940 - 13,820,197
1941 - 8,681,785
1942 - 10,243,778
1943 - 24,760,256
1944 - 1,532,784
1945 - 18,893,216
1946 - 6,952,684
1947 - 17,198,848
1948 - 1,810,789
1949 - 13,736,276
1950-1959
1950 - 11,950,520
1951 - 12,642,641
1952 - 10,891,148
1953 - 16,635,552
1954 - 6,998,662
1955 - 5,355,028
1956 - 9,399,854
1957 - 7,387,703
1958 - 7,607,521
1959 - 11,552,523
1960-1969
1960 - 37,157,433
1961 - 47,889,051
1962 - 46,307,305
1963 - 43,970,320
1964 - 78,075,068
1965 - 84,876,018
1966 - 27,976,648
1967 - 36,876,574
1968 - 99,253,330
1969 - 27,830,229
1970-1979
1970 - 5,726,010
1971 - 27,312,609
1972 - 62,417,387
1973 - 53,507,435
1974 - 94,704,645
1975 - 138,882,000
1976 - 55,140,213
1977 - 89,120,791
1978 - 137,079,273
1979 - 186,295,825
1980-1989
1980 - 134,878,000
1981 - 99,107,900
1982 - 105,539,898
1983 - 72,596,000
1984 - 84,088,000
1985 - 126,618,000
1986 - 156,104,000
1987 - 106,299,000
1988 - 75,025,000
1989 - 141,435,538
1990-1999
1990 - 42,537,000
1991 - 10,931,000
1992 - 53,732,000
1993 - 86,877,000
1994 - 99,352,000
1995 - 78,780,000
1996 - 36,686,000
1997 - 27,354,000
1998 - 156,873,000
1999 - 124,861,000
2000 - 2008
2000 - 108,514,000
2001 - 166,686,000
2002 - 135,960,000
2003 - 101,793,000
2004 - 123,925,000
2005 - 148,082,000
2006 - 184,874,000
2007 - 218,914,000
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Pride and skill–the 10-cent coin
Artist Emanuel Hahn developed his design for the 10-cent coin from photos of the famous Bluenose schooner. It is meant to symbolize both the magnitude of the fishing industry in Canada and the maritime skills of Canadians. The Bluenose was not only a racing schooner, but also one of the great fishing vessels that helped build the reputation of the Grand Banks fishery. The design was first issued in 1937.
Reverse side designs | Technical specifications | Mintages
Reverse side designs
1858-1936
The crossed maple boughs
The design of two crossed maple boughs appear on all 10-cent, 25-cent, and 50-cent coins from 1858 to 1936.
1937-1966, 1968-present
The Bluenose
Emanuel Hahn's design depicts the Bluenose under sail.
1967
The centennial 10-cent coin
Alex Colville created a special set of coin designs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation; the 10-cent coin features a mackerel.
2001
International Year of the Volunteer
This coin was issued in honour of the United Nations' International Year of the Volunteer and pays tribute to the millions of Canadians who help those in need.
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Technical specifications
1908 to 1910
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 2.32
Diameter (mm): 18.034
Thickness (mm): n/a
1910 to 1919
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 2.33
Diameter (mm): 18.034
Thickness (mm): n/a
1920 to 1967
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight (g): 2.33
Diameter (mm): 18.034
Thickness (mm): n/a
1968 to 1977
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 2.07
Diameter (mm): 18.034
Thickness (mm): 1.16
1978
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 2.07
Diameter (mm): 18.03
Thickness (mm): 1.19
1979 to 1999
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 2.07
Diameter (mm): 18.03
Thickness (mm): 1.22
2000 to date
Composition: 92% steel, 5.5% copper, 2.5% nickel
Weight (g): 1.75
Diameter (mm): 18.03
Thickness (mm): 1.22
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Mintages
1908-1909
1908 - 776,666
1909 - 1,697,200
1910-1919
1910 - 4,468,331
1911 - 2,737,584
1912 - 2,234,557
1913 - 3,613,937
1914 - 2,549,811
1915 - 688,057
1916 - 4,218,114
1917 - 5,011,988
1918 - 5,133,602
1919 - 7,877,722
1920-1929
1920 - 6,305,345
1921 - 2,469,562
1922 - 0
1923 - 0
1924 - 0
1925 - 0
1926 - 0
1927 - 0
1928 - 2,458,602
1929 - 3,253,888
1930-1939
1930 - 1,831,043
1931 - 2,067,421
1932 - 1,154,317
1933 - 672,368
1934 - 409,067
1935 - 384,056
1936 - 2,460,871
1937 - 2,500,095
1938 - 4,197,323
1939 - 5,501,748
1940-1949
1940 - 16,526,470
1941 - 8,716,386
1942 - 10,214,011
1943 - 21,143,229
1944 - 9,383,582
1945 - 10,979,570
1946 - 6,300,066
1947 - 14,070,719
1948 - 422,741
1949 - 11,336,172
1950-1959
1950 - 17,823,075
1951 - 15,079,265
1952 - 10,474,455
1953 - 17,706,395
1954 - 4,493,150
1955 - 12,237,294
1956 - 16,732,844
1957 - 16,110,229
1958 - 10,621,236
1959 - 19,691,433
1960-1969
1960 - 45,446,835
1961 - 26,850,859
1962 - 41,864,335
1963 - 41,916,208
1964 - 49,518,549
1965 - 55,965,392
1966 - 34,330,199
1967 - 62,998,215
1968 - 235,042,930
1969 - 55,833,929
1970-1979
1970 - 5,249,296
1971 - 41,106,968
1972 - 60,169,387
1973 - 167,715,435
1974 - 210,566,565
1975 - 207,680,000
1976 - 94,724,000
1977 - 128,056,000
1978 - 170,366,431
1979 - 236,910,479
1980-1989
1980 - 169,910,479
1981 - 123,912,900
1982 - 93,960,898
1983 - 111,501710
1984 - 119,080,000
1985 - 142,800,000
1986 - 168,620,000
1987 - 147,309,000
1988 - 162,998,558
1989 - 198,693,414
1990-1999
1990 - 65,023,000
1991 - 50,397,000
1992 - 174,476,000
1993 - 135,569,000
1994 - 145,800,000
1995 - 123,875,000
1996 - 51,814,000
1997 - 43,126,000
1998 - 203,514,000
1999 - 258,462,000
2000 - 2008
2000 - 195,117,000
2001 - 272,465,000
2002 - 252,563,000
2003 - 164,617,000
2004 - 213,025,000
2005 - 211,350,000
2006 - 331,647,000
2007 - 284,310,000
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A familiar face – the 25-cent coin
The caribou on a 25-cent piece dates back to 1936 when a change in the sovereign's image on circulation currency prompted the Canadian government to modify the designs on the reverse side of coins as well. The caribou design was created by Canadian artist Emanuel Hahn and was first used in 1937. It has been temporarily replaced through the years ? in 1967 for the Canadian centennial, in 1973 to celebrate the centennial of the North West Mounted Police, in 1992 for Canada's 125th birthday, in 1999 and 2000 by the winning designs of the Millennium coin program, and in 2002 for a special Canada Day design.
Reverse side designs | Technical specifications | Mintages
Reverse side designs
1870-1936
The crossed maple boughs
The 25-cent coin was first issued in 1870. The coin used the same design of two crossed maple boughs appear that appeared on the 10-cent coins and 50-cent coins from 1858 to 1936.
1937-72, 1974-1991, 1993-1998, and 2001-present
The caribou
Emanuel Hahn's caribou design was adopted in 1937 in an effort to modernize Canada's circulation coins.
1967
The centennial 25-cent coin
Alex Colville created a special set of coin designs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canadian confederation; the 25-cent coin features a bobcat.
1973
The RCMP centennial
Paul Cederberg designed this coin to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation
Designed by Canadians chosen in a national contest, these 25-cent coins were issued bearing a design to represent each province and territory.
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Yukon
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Northwest Territories
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? British Columbia
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Alberta
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Saskatchewan
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Manitoba
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Ontario
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Quebec
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? New Brunswick
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Prince Edward Island
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Nova Scotia
1992
125th Anniversary of Confederation ? Newfoundland
1999 Millenium Collection
Poised on the edge of the new millennium, the ?Create a Centsation!' contest received 33,000 design submissions from Canadians for the two series of 25-cent Millennium circulation coins. 1999 commemorated the last 1,000 years.
1999
Millenium Collection ? January
1999
Millenium Collection ? February
1999
Millenium Collection ? March
1999
Millenium Collection ? April
1999
Millenium Collection ? May
1999
Millenium Collection ? June
1999
Millenium Collection ? July
1999
Millenium Collection ? August
1999
Millenium Collection ? September
1999
Millenium Collection ? October
.
1999
Millenium Collection ? November
1999
Millenium Collection ? December
2000 Millenium Collection
Poised on the edge of the new millennium, the ?Create a Centsation!' contest received 33,000 design submissions from Canadians for the two series of 25-cent Millennium circulation coins. 2000 featured designs that speak to our hopes for the new millenium.
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Creativity'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Freedom'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Community'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Wisdom'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Family'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Celebration'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Pride'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Health'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Natural Legacy'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Harmony'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Achievement'
2000
Millenium Collection ? ?Ingenuity'
2002
Canada Day
This coin celebrates Canada's 135th anniversary. The reverse was designed by Judith Chartier.
2004
Ile Sainte-Croix
400th anniversary of the first French settlement in North America
2004
The Poppy
The 25-cent Poppy coin is the world's first coloured coin in circulation.
2005
Saskatchewan Centennial
Designed by Saskatchewan wildlife artist Paulette Sapergia, it features the Western Meadowlark whose unique and melodious song heralds the coming of spring to the prairies.
2005
Alberta Centennial
Designed by artist Michelle Grant, it portrays the richness of the Alberta landscape ? mountains in the distance, prairie fields, an old-style oil derrick and the wild rose.
2005
Year of the Veteran
Designed by Elaine Goble, the design depicts two veterans of different generations, joined by love of country, standing side by side.
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Technical specifications
1908 to 1910
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 5.81
Diameter (mm): 23.62
Thickness (mm): n/a
1910 to 1919
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 5.83
Diameter (mm): 23.62
Thickness (mm): n/a
1920 to 1952
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight (g): 5.83
Diameter (mm): 23.62
Thickness (mm): n/a
1953 to 1967
Composition: 80%silver, 20% copper
Weight (g): 5.83
Diameter (mm): 23.88
Thickness (mm): n/a
1967 to 1968
Composition: 50% silver, 50% copper
Weight (g): 5.05
Diameter (mm): 23.88
Thickness (mm): n/a
1968 to 1977
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 5.05
Diameter (mm): 23.88
Thickness (mm): 1.6
1978 to 1999
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 5.05
Diameter (mm): 23.88
Thickness (mm): 1.58
2000 to date
Composition: 94% steel, 3.8% copper, 2.2% nickel plating
Weight (g): 4.4
Diameter (mm): 23.88
Thickness (mm): 1.58
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Mintages
1908-1909
1908 - 495,016
1909 - 1,335,929
1910-1919
1910 - 3,577,569
1911 - 1,721,341
1912 - 2,544,199
1913 - 2,213,595
1914 - 1,215,397
1915 - 242,382
1916 - 1,462,566
1917 - 3,365,644
1918 - 4,175,649
1919 - 5,852,262
1920-1929
1920 - 1,975,278
1921 - 597,337
1922 - 0
1923 - 0
1924 - 0
1925 - 0
1926 - 0
1927 - 468,096
1928 - 2,114,178
1929 - 2,690,562
1930-1939
1930 - 968,748
1931 - 537,815
1932 - 537,994
1933 - 421,282
1934 - 384,350
1935 - 537,772
1936 - 1,125,779
1937 - 2,689,813
1938 - 3,149,245
1939 - 3,532,495
1940-1949
1940 - 9,583,650
1941 - 6,654,672
1942 - 6,935,871
1943 - 13,559,575
1944 - 7,216,237
1945 - 5,296,495
1946 - 2,210,810
1947 - 5,918,482
1948 - 2,564,424
1949 - 7,988,830
1950-1959
1950 - 9,673,335
1951 - 8,290,719
1952 - 8,859,642
1953 - 10,456,769
1954 - 2,318,891
1955 - 9,552,505
1956 - 11,269,353
1957 - 12,770,190
1958 - 9,336,910
1959 - 13,503,461
1960-1969
1960 - 22,835,327
1961 - 18,164,368
1962 - 29,559,266
1963 - 21,180,642
1964 - 36,479,343
1965 - 44,708,869
1966 - 25,388,892
1967 - 48,855,500
1968 - 160,150,931
1969 - 133,037,929
1970-1979
1970 - 10,302,010
1971 - 48,170,428
1972 - 43,743,387
1973 - 135,958,589
1974 - 192,360,598
1975 - 252,259,000
1976 - 86,898,261
1977 - 99,634,555
1978 - 174,475,408
1979 - 131,042,905
1980-1989
1980 - 76,178,000
1981 - 131,583,900
1982 - 171,926,000
1983 - 13,162,000
1984 - 119,212,000
1985 - 158,734,000
1986 - 132,220,000
1987 - 53,408,000
1988 - 80,368,000
1989 - 119,084,307
1990-1999
1990 - 31,258,000
1991 - 459,000
1992 - 153,000,000
1993 - 73,758,000
1994 - 77,670,000
1995 - 89,210,000
1996 - 28,216,000
1997 - 0
1998 - 0
1999 - 258,888,996
2000 - 2008
2000 - 415,894,000
2001 - 62,227,000
2002 - 187,992,000
2003 - 100,638,000
2004 - 210,047,000
2005 - 269,586,000
2006 - 629,018,000
2007 - 230,772,000
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From sea to sea – the 50-cent coin
The 50-cent coin bears the Canadian Coat of Arms. It honours the four founding nations of Canada: England, Scotland, Ireland and France. The inscription, "A Mari usque ad Mare," means "from sea to sea"; the second inscription, "Desiderantes meliorem patriam," means "they desire a better country." The current design was produced by former Royal Canadian Mint engraver Thomas Shingles and was first used in 1959. In recent decades, the fifty-cent circulation coin has not been widely used in day-to-day transactions, yet it remains popular with coin collectors.
Reverse side designs |
Technical specifications | Mintages
Reverse side designs
1858-1936
The crossed maple boughs
The design of two crossed maple boughs appear on all 10-cent, 25-cent, and 50-cent coins from 1858 to 1936.
1937-1958
The simplified Coat of Arms
A simplified version of Canada's coat of arms was created in 1937 for the 50-cent coin as part of an initiative to modernize Canada's circulation coins.
1959-1966, 1968-present
The modified Coat of Arms
The Canadian Government approved a new Coat of Arms in 1957. In 1959 it appeared on the 50-cent coin, where it remains to this day.
1967
The centennial 50-cent coin
Alex Colville created a special set of coin designs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canadian confederation; the 50-cent coin features a howling wolf.
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Technical specifications
1908 to 1919
Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Weight (g): 11.62
Diameter (mm): 29.72
Thickness (mm): n/a
1920 to 1967
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight (g): 11.66
Diameter (mm): 29.72
Thickness (mm): n/a
1968 to 1979
Composition: 99% nickel (minimum)
Weight (g): 8.1
Diameter (mm): 27.13
Thickness (mm): 1.93
1980 to 2001
Composition: 99% nickel (minimum)
Weight (g): 8.1
Diameter (mm): 27.13
Thickness (mm): 1.9
2002 to date
Composition: 93.15% steel, 4.75% copper, 2.1% nickel plating
Weight (g): 6.9
Diameter (mm): 27.13
Thickness (mm): 1.95
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Mintages
1908-1909
1908 - 128,119
1909 - 203,118
1910-1919
1910 - 649,521
1911 - 209,972
1912 - 285,867
1913 -265,889
1914 - 160,128
1915 - 0
1916 - 459,070
1917 - 752,213
1918 - 854,989
1919 - 1,113,429
1920-1929
1920 - 584,429
1921 - 206,398
1922 - 0
1923 - 0
1924 - 0
1925 - 0
1926 - 0
1927 - 0
1928 - 0
1929 - 228,328
1930-1939
1930 - 0
1931 - 57,581
1932 - 19,213
1933 - 0
1934 - 39,539
1935 - 0
1936 - 38,550
1937 - 192,016
1938 - 192,018
1939 - 287,976
1940-1949
1940 - 1,996,566
1941 - 1,714,874
1942 - 1,974,165
1943 - 3,109,583
1944 - 2,460,205
1945 - 1,959,528
1946 - 950,235
1947 - 463,318
1948 - 37,784
1949 - 858,991
1950-1959
1950 - 2,384,179
1951 - 2,421,730
1952 - 2,596,465
1953 - 1,630,429
1954 - 506,305
1955 - 753,511
1956 - 137,499
1957 - 2,171,689
1958 - 2,957,266
1959 - 3,095,535
1960-1969
1960 - 3,488,897
1961 - 3,584,417
1962 - 5,208,030
1963 - 8,348,871
1964 - 9,377,676
1965 - 12,629,974
1966 - 7,683,228
1967 - 4,211,395
1968 - 3,966,932
1969 - 7,113,929
1970-1979
1970 - 2,429,516
1971 - 2,166,144
1972 - 2,515,632
1973 - 2,546,096
1974 - 3,436,650
1975 - 3,710,000
1976 - 2,646,000
1977 - 709,939
1978 - 3,341,892
1979 - 3,425,000
1980-1989
1980 - 1,943,155
1981 - 2,588,900
1982 - 2,884,572
1983 - 1,177,000
1984 - 1,502,989
1985 - 2,188,374
1986 - 781,400
1987 - 373,000
1988 - 220,000
1989 - 266,419
1990-1999
1990 - 207,000
1991 - 490,000
1992 - 248,000
1993 - 393,000
1994 - 987,000
1995 - 626,000
1996 - 458,000
1997 - 387,000
1998 - 308,000
1999 - 496,000
2000 - 2008
2000 - 559,000
2001 - 403,000
2002 - 14,440,000
2003 - 0
2004 - 0
2005 - 200,000
2006 - 98,000
2007 - 250,000
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Striking in its solitude – the 1-dollar coin, familiarly known as the 'loonie'
The 1-dollar circulation coin was introduced in 1987 as a cost-saving measure to replace dollar bills. The coin was instantly dubbed the ?loonie' after the solitary loon that graces the coin's reverse side. The nickname caught on and Canadians have been using it ever since. The loon design was created by noted wildlife artist Robert-Ralph Carmichael.
Reverse side designs |
Technical specifications | Mintages
Reverse side designs
1935-1938, 1940-1948, 1950-1957, 1959-1963, 1965-1966, 1968-1969, and 1975-1986
The Voyageur
This design by Emanuel Hahn features a voyageur and an aboriginal travelling by canoe. One of the bundles depicted on the coin bears the initials "H.B." for Hudson's Bay Company. The illustration has been modified only slightly over the years.
1939
The Royal Visit
This design by Emanuel Hahn commemorates the visit of His Majesty King George VI and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to Ottawa. The Latin phrase "Fide Quorum Regnat" means "He reigns by the faith of his people."
1949
Newfoundland's accession to Canada
Thomas Shingles' design commemorates Newfoundland's status as a province of Canada. Pictured on the coin is The Matthew, the ship historians believe John Cabot was sailing when he discovered Newfoundland. Below the ship reads the Latin inscription "Floreat Terra Nova," meaning: "May the New Found Land Flourish."
1958
The founding of British Columbia
Stephen Trenka's totem pole and Rocky Mountain backdrop marks the centenary of both the Gold Rush and the creation of British Columbia as a colony of England.
1964
The Confederation meetings
Thomas Shingles' design features the French fleur-de-lis, the Irish shamrock, the Scottish thistle, and the English rose. It commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Quebec City meetings that led to Confederation.
1967
The centennial dollar
Alex Colville created a special set of coin designs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation; the 1-dollar coin features a Canada goose. After 1967, circulation 1-dollar coins were made of nickel until 1987, when the ?loonie' was introduced.
1970
Manitoba's centennial
Raymond Taylor's prairie crocus design commemorates the centennial of Manitoba's accession to Canada.
1971
British Columbia's centennial
Thomas Shingles' design commemorates the centennial of British Columbia's accession to Canada. The coin features British Columbia's coat of arms and its provincial flower, the dogwood.
1973
Prince Edward Island's centennial
Walter Ott's rendering of P.E.I.'s Provincial Legislature building commemorates the centennial of the province's accession to Canada.
1974
Winnipeg's centennial
Patrick Brindley created this design from a drawing by Paul Pederson to commemorate Winnipeg's centennial anniversary. Inside the two zeroes of '"00" are images of Winnipeg's Main street in 1874 (left) and 1974 (right).
1982
The Constitution commemorative coin
This design features the famous painting of the Fathers of Confederation along with the inscriptions "Confederation 1867" and "Constitution 1982."
1984
Jacques Cartier on the Gaspé
Hector Greville's design of Jacques Cartier and a cross with the French coat of arms commemorates the 450th anniversary of the explorer's landing on the Gaspé Peninsula.
1987-1991, 1993-present
The Loon coin
The 1-dollar bill was replaced in 1987 by a new eleven-sided circulation coin nicknamed the ?Loonie'. Ralph-Robert Carmichael's popular design features a Canadian loon, and is made of aureate bronze.
1992
The 125th Anniversary of Confederation
Rita Swanson's design features three children with a Canadian flag on Parliament Hill in commemoration of Canada's 125th birthday. Note the clock on the Peace Tower reads 1:25.
1994
The National War Memorial coin
A representation of the National War Memorial in Ottawa honours the contribution and sacrifice made by Canadian soldiers in both World Wars and the Korean War.
1995
The Peacekeeping coin
This coin commemorates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, and pays tribute to the Canadians who have served as UN peacekeepers. It features an image of the Peacekeeping Monument in Ottawa.
2004
Lucky Loonie
The 2004 Lucky Loonie features the Common Loon design accompanied by the Canadian Olympic logo.
2005
Terry Fox
The Terry Fox coin commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. This coin was designed by Stan Witten
2006
Lucky Loonie
This coin, which features the familiar loon in flight along with the official emblem of the Canadian Olympic Team, serves as a good luck charm for Canadian athletes competing at the 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
2008
Lucky Loonie
The 2008 Lucky Loonie features a common Loon getting ready to take flight with the Canadian Olympic Team's logo at its side. The Mint has provided each member of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams competing in Beijing with a Lucky Loonie as their own personal good luck charm.
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Technical specifications
1935 to 1967
Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper
Weight (g): 23.3
Diameter (mm): 36.06
Thickness (mm): 2.84
1968 to 1982
Composition: 99.9% nickel
Weight (g): 15.62
Diameter (mm): 32.13
Thickness (mm): 2.62
1982 to 1986
Composition: 99% nickel (minimum)
Weight (g): 15.62
Diameter (mm): 32.13
Thickness (mm): 2.55
1987
Composition: 91.5% nickel, 8.5% bronze plating
Weight (g): 7
Diameter (mm): 26.72
Thickness (mm): 1.95
1988 to 2002
Composition: 91.5% nickel, 8.5% bronze plating
Weight (g): 7
Diameter (mm): 26.5
Thickness (mm): 1.75
2003 to present
Composition: 91.5% nickel, 8.5% bronze plating
Weight (g): 7
Diameter (mm): 26.5
Thickness (mm): 1.95
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Mintages
1935-1939
1935 - 428,707
1936 - 306,100
1937 - 241,002
1938 - 90,304
1939 - 1,363,816
1940-1949
1940 - 0
1941 - 0
1942 - 0
1943 - 0
1944 - 0
1945 - 38,391
1946 - 93,055
1947 - 86,730
1948 - 18,780
1949 - 672,218
1950-1959
1950 - 261,002
1951 - 416,395
1952 - 406,148
1953 - 1,074,578
1954 - 246,606
1955 - 268,105
1956 - 209,092
1957 - 496,389
1958 - 3,039,630
1959 - 1,443,502
1960-1969
1960 - 1,420,486
1961 - 1,262,231
1962 - 1,884,789
1963 - 4,179,981
1964 - 7,296,832
1965 - 10,768,569
1966 - 9,912,178
1967 - 6,767,496
1968 - 5,579,714
1969 - 4,809,313
1970-1979
1970 - 4,140,058
1971 - 4,260,781
1972 - 2,193,000
1973 - 3,196,452
1974 - 2,799,363
1975 - 3,256,000
1976 - 2,101,000
1977 - 1,393,745
1978 - 2,948,488
1979 - 1,884,789
1980-1989
1980 - 2,544,000
1981 - 2,778,900
1982 - 13,356,398
1983 - 2,267,525
1984 - 1,223,486
1985 - 3,104,592
1986 - 3,089,225
1987 - 205,405,000
1988 - 138,893,539
1989 - 184,773,902
1990-1999
1990 - 68,402,000
1991 - 23,156,000
1992 - 27,253,000
1993 - 33,662,000
1994 - 40,406,000
1995 - 41,813,000
1996 - 17,101,000
1997 - 0
1998 - 0
1999 - 0
2000 - 2008
2000 - 0
2001 - 0
2002 - 2,301,000
2003 - 5,102,000
2004 - 10,894,000
2005 - 44,375,000
2006 - 49,111,000
2007 - 36,424,000
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Balance and composition – the 2-dollar coin
The 2-dollar coin, or ?Toonie', as Canadians have named it, features the image of an adult polar bear in early summer on an ice floe. It was designed by wildlife and landscape artist Brent Townsend. The 2-dollar coin was first introduced on February 19, 1996, to replace the 2-dollar bill. The ?Toonie' has a life span approximately 20 times longer than paper currency and is manufactured using a distinctive bi-metallic coin locking mechanism patented by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Reverse side designs |
Technical specifications | Mintages
Reverse side designs
1996-1998, 2001-present
The Polar Bear
In 1996, the 2-dollar bill was replaced with a bi-metallic coin, the reverse of which features a polar bear designed by renowned Canadian wildlife artist Brent Townsend.
1999
Nunavut
Germaine Arnaktauyok created this design to commemorate the founding of Nunavut, Canada's newest territory. The design is based upon Arnaktauyok's silk screen print ?Drummer'.
2000
Path of Knowledge
Tony Bianco's rendering of a female polar bear and her two cubs represents the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next. The inscription on the coin's outer rim reads "Knowledge - Le Savoir."
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Technical specifications
1996 to date
Composition: outer ring 99% nickel, inner core 92% copper, 6% aluminum, 2% nickel
Weight (g): 7.3
Diameter (mm): 28
Thickness (mm): 1.8
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Mintages
1996-1999
1996 - 375,483,000
1997 - 16,942,000
1998 - 5,309,000
1999 - 25,130,000
2000 - 2008
2000 - 29,847,000
2001 - 11,910,000
2002 - 27,020,000
2003 - 11,244,000
2004 - 12,908,000
2005 - 38,317,000
2006 - 35,319,000
2007 - 33,917,000
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