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A Tale of Two Designs: How Canada’s 1-dollar Coin Became the Loonie

  • Jul 21, 2022
  • Learn
  • 6 minute read

Affectionately dubbed the “Loonie," Canada's one-dollar circulation coin has become a cherished national symbol since its 1987 debut. The coin’s scene, one that is familiar across the Canadian Shield, is of a common loon floating past an island on a calm lake.

Now picture the loon swimming away as a canoe, carrying two people from Canada’s early history, swiftly passes by. While iconic in its own right, this scene of a voyageur and an Indigenous guide paddling through Canadian waters is (or was intended to be) the one-dollar coin’s original design.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Canada’s golden-hued circulation coin, we revisit the story of the Voyageur design and explore the many commemorative designs that the Loonie has featured since its arrival.

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The original "Loonie". Canada's one-dollar circulation made its debut in 1987.

Affectionately dubbed the “Loonie," Canada's one-dollar circulation coin has become a cherished national symbol since its 1987 debut. The coin’s scene, one that is familiar across the Canadian Shield, is of a common loon floating past an island on a calm lake.

Now picture the loon swimming away as a canoe, carrying two people from Canada’s early history, swiftly passes by. While iconic in its own right, this scene of a voyageur and an Indigenous guide paddling through Canadian waters is (or was intended to be) the one-dollar coin’s original design.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Canada’s golden-hued circulation coin, we revisit the story of the Voyageur design and explore the many commemorative designs that the Loonie has featured since its arrival.

1935 Silver Dollar "Voyageur"
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Canada's one-dollar coin
Canada's one-dollar coin. Reverse Designs
Canada's one-dollar coin. Reverse Designs
Canada's one-dollar coin. Reverse Designs
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