Minting Memories: Our 2022 Year-in-Review
- Dec 29, 2022
- Canadiana
- 4 minute read
Here at the Mint, we develop, manufacture, and introduce hundreds of new collection-worthy coins each and every year. From limited-edition numismatics, to commemorative circulation coins, bullion, and even medals and keepsakes, these pieces are a celebration of Canadian identity, innovation, and history.
As this year comes to a close, let’s take a look back at some of our most memorable coins from 2022.
Here at the Mint, we develop, manufacture, and introduce hundreds of new collection-worthy coins each and every year. From limited-edition numismatics, to commemorative circulation coins, bullion, and even medals and keepsakes, these pieces are a celebration of Canadian identity, innovation, and history.
As this year comes to a close, let’s take a look back at some of our most memorable coins from 2022.
Opulence Collection (May)
Our inaugural Opulence Collection ushered in a new era of redefining rare at the Mint. This collection featured coins outfitted with exclusive Pink diamonds from the Argyle Diamond Mine—a Mint first. Four coins launched as part of this collection, including The Ultimate—a 1kg coin adorned with 462 Pink diamonds that ultimately fetched 1.2 million dollars at auction.
Learn more about the Opulence Collection and how it came to be, and keep an eye out for more exclusive coin collections to come.
Farewell to the Penny - 10th Anniversary Collection (June)
Gone but never forgotten, this past June marked a decade since the last Canadian penny was struck at our Winnipeg facility. To honour the occasion, we brought back the iconic maple leaf twig design and launched the Farewell to the Penny - 10th Anniversary collection. This offering consists of four silver reincarnations of the penny—a beautiful tribute to our favourite 1-cent coin.
Discover the Farewell to the Penny - 10th Anniversary Collection for yourself, and learn more about the history of the penny here.
Oscar Peterson $1 Commemorative Circulation Coin (August)
The Oscar Peterson $1 coin kicked off our 2022 commemorative circulation program. The thoughtfully-designed loonie is a tribute to the famed Montreal-born pianist and composer who left a lasting impact on the world through his music. Three million of these one-dollar coins are in circulation, so keep an eye on your change! You might even find the colourized version—a nod to Oscar’s favourite colour, purple.
Learn more about Oscar’s love of music and lasting legacy, and be sure to check out the suite of numismatic coins launched in his honour.
Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake (September)
In September, we launched the Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake. This Keepsake honours the more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were taken from their families and forced to attend Residential, Day and Boarding Schools across Canada. It acknowledges the intergenerational impacts of the Residential, Day and Boarding School era, and it invites reflection on how Canadians can meet the challenge of reconciliation in our everyday lives.
Learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake, the fund it supports, and the Keepsake’s Indigenous artist-led design here.
1972 Summit Series $2 Commemorative Circulation Coin (September)
The second commemorative circulation coin introduced this year was the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series—the nation-defining tournament that crowned Canada as the best in hockey. The eight-game series brought Canadians from coast to coast to coast together to cheer on their national team. Score this sporty toonie in your change today—three million of these coins are also in circulation.
Learn more about Canada’s iconic hockey win, and discover the full line-up of our 1972 Summit Series coins.
Alexander Graham Bell $1 Commemorative Circulation Coin (October)
The Alexander Graham Bell commemorative circulation coin is the third (but not final) of 2022. This one-dollar coin, which features the great inventor alongside the Silver Dart and HD-4 hydrofoil, honours the 175th anniversary of Bell’s birth. Celebrate Bell’s many achievements and innovative spirit with this special loonie—we hope that finding one in your change sparks curiosity and inspiration for years to come.
Learn more about Bell’s life and legacy of innovation, and explore all of our 2022 Bell coins here.
P.S. Be sure to check out our Bell Virtual Museum—an interactive, online learning experience. It’s another Mint first!
Queen Elizabeth II $2 Commemorative Circulation Coin (December)
For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II served as the head of our national family. And until her passing on September 8, 2022, she was the only sovereign most Canadians had ever known.
This commemorative circulation coin is a solemn tribute to Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) and marks the end of her historic reign. Like a mourning band, the black outer ring surrounds the coin, and on the obverse is the last Canadian coin effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Learn more about the $2 Honouring Queen Elizabeth II coin here.
This is just a handful of the many coins we minted this year. Did any catch your eye? It’s not too late to add them to your collection: many of our 2022 coins are still available. And as we ring in the new year, just remember: new coins are right around the corner.