Transition and Tribute Troubles? A Guide to Understanding 2023 Coin Obverses
- Feb 23, 2023
- Canadiana
- 3 minute read
For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II dutifully and nobly served as the head of our national family, the fount of honour and the embodiment of the Canadian state. And until her passing on September 8, 2022, she was the only sovereign most Canadians had ever known.
Since the striking of our very first coin in 1908, the obverse (or head side) of Canadian coins has included the portrait of a monarch. And for the majority of the coins ever minted in Canada, Queen Elizabeth II is the only sovereign our coins have ever known.
Four portraits of Queen Elizabeth II have appeared over the years, and each is beautifully and symbolically represented on Canadian coins in 2023. From bullion to numismatics, each piece is a tribute to the extraordinary life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who, like the effigy itself, was a constant presence in the lives of Canadians and will forever be remembered for her grace, unwavering dedication to public service and deep affection for Canada.
2023 Canadian Coin Obverses
For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II dutifully and nobly served as the head of our national family, the fount of honour and the embodiment of the Canadian state. And until her passing on September 8, 2022, she was the only sovereign most Canadians had ever known.
Since the striking of our very first coin in 1908, the obverse (or head side) of Canadian coins has included the portrait of a monarch. And for the majority of the coins ever minted in Canada, Queen Elizabeth II is the only sovereign our coins have ever known.
Four portraits of Queen Elizabeth II have appeared over the years, and each is beautifully and symbolically represented on Canadian coins in 2023. From bullion to numismatics, each piece is a tribute to the extraordinary life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who, like the effigy itself, was a constant presence in the lives of Canadians and will forever be remembered for her grace, unwavering dedication to public service and deep affection for Canada.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign Collection | Tribute Obverse
This year’s Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign collection revisits seven decades of history. Some of the precious keepsakes in this collection feature timeless emblems of the late Queen's reign, while others show a more intimate portrait of the Queen known to generations of Canadians. Each silver, gold and platinum coin in this collection is bonded together by a special tribute obverse.
This tribute obverse is marked by a double date, separated by a Tudor rose, and displays all four effigies of Queen Elizabeth II that have appeared on Canadian coins since her coronation.
Numismatics and Bullion | Transition Obverse
The ‘uncrowned’ obverse of Queen Elizabeth II was updated for 2023-dated collector and bullion coins. This transition obverse will appear on Canadian coins until a decision on a new obverse is made by the Government of Canada.
The transition obverse shows the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, accompanied by a special marking consisting of an inscription of the dates “1952” and “2022”, separated by four pearls. Each pearl symbolizes of one of the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins since 1953.
Canadian Circulation Classics | Non-Circulation Collectibles with a Transition Obverse
With a focus on commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, 2023-dated coins featuring one of our classic reverse designs —the beaver, Bluenose, caribou, loon and polar bear— are not available for circulation.
One of the few opportunities to see (and own) the classic Canadian coin designs you know and love, stamped with this year’s date (“2023”), is with a collector set. Non-circulation versions of each of the six denominations ($2, $1, 50¢, 25¢, 10¢, 5¢) are available in this special set of non-circulation coins—collector exclusives that are not intended for circulation
Another way to own these non-circulation coins in 2023 is with the 2023 Collector’s Edition Special Wrap Roll Set and the 2023 Collector’s Edition 50-cent Special Wrap Roll.
Click here to learn more about how we’re commemorating Queen Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign.
As Seen on Our Change, the Effigies of Queen Elizabeth II
The first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, selected by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee and designed by British sculptor Mary Gillick, shows a young queen wearing a wreath of laurels.
In 1965, a new portrait commissioned by the Royal Mint and designed by British sculptor Arnold Machin was introduced. Canada became the first Commonwealth nation to adopt the new effigy — a depiction of a more mature queen wearing a tiara.
The third likeness of Queen Elizabeth II to appear on Canadian coins shows a crowned portrait of Her Late Majesty by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. It was introduced in 1990 and became the first effigy of a reigning monarch designed by a Canadian artist.
A more mature and informal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II arrived in 2003. The design was unveiled in 2002 to mark Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee and is the result of a design competition won by Vancouver-based Canadian artist Susanna Blunt.