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For passionate collectors, the Mint produces some of the world's most stunning commemorative and circulation coins, treasured for their rarity, historic significance and craftsmanship.
Faces of the Monarch
As a Commonwealth country, Canada has included the likeness—or 'effigy'—of the reigning monarch on its coins since the Royal Canadian Mint started production in 1908.
Four different versions of Queen Elizabeth II, have appeared over the years: in 1953, 1965, 1990 and 2003. We also issued a special 50‑cent Golden Jubilee circulation coin in 2002, replicating the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that appeared on the 1953 Canadian Coronation Medallion.
Monarchs Through the Years
Edward VII (1902‑1910)
Edward VII was Queen Elizabeth II's great grandfather. The Latin inscription appearing around him reads EDWARDVS VII DEI GRATIA REX IMPERATOR (or D:G REX IMPERATOR, depending on the denomination), both of which mean "Edward VII, by the grace of God, the King and Emperor."
George V (1911‑1936)
George V was the grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II and appeared with the Latin inscription GEORGIVS V DEI GRA:REX ET IND:IMP, which means "George V, by the grace of God, the King and Emperor of India." For part of 1911, coins did not include the DEI GRA part of the inscription and became known as the "Godless" coins.
George VI (1937‑1952)
Queen Elizabeth II's father appeared in effigy on Canadian coins until his daughter's Coronation in 1952. Until 1947, the inscription accompanying his image read GEORGIVS VI D:G:REX ET IND:IMP or GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA REX ET IND:IMP (depending on the denomination). After India became independent in 1947, the ET IND:IMP, which meant “George VI, Emperor of India,” was discontinued.
Elizabeth II (1953‑1964)
The effigy of Queen Elizabeth II first appeared on Canadian coins in 1953 when she was 27 years old. The effigy pictured here was used until 1964, with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA, meaning "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, the Queen."
Elizabeth II (1965‑1989)
This updated effigy of Queen Elizabeth II appeared with the inscription ELIZABETH II D G REGINA, a shortened form of the original.
Elizabeth II (1990‑2002)
A new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled in 1990 when she was 64 years old. This was the first to be designed by a Canadian, Dora de Pédery‑Hunt, and the coin kept the ELIZABETH II D G REGINA inscription.
Elizabeth II (2003‑present)
Another Canadian artist, Susanna Blunt, designed the most recent effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, again accompanied by the words ELIZABETH II D G REGINA. Blunt's version recalls the effigy of George VI, who also chose to be portrayed without a crown.
Credits
Queen Elizabeth II waves to well-wishers. Winnipeg, Manitoba. July 1959.
[Courtesy University of Manitoba UM_PC_18_5855-4980-_027]