Canadian Coins - not the oldest, but with plenty of history

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Despite the far reaching influence of Britain, France and the neighbouring United States throughout the years, Canada emerged from history with an identity very much its own. Canadian coins reflect this, and rank as some of the most valuable and aesthetically pleasing coins for collectors.

Canadian coins were still a while off when the Currency Act of 1841 was established, making British currency legal tender in Canada. At this time American and French currencies were also being used. After some British opposition an amended Currency Act declared a currency to be struck for Canada in 1853, and in 1857 the first Canadian coins were minted in England to the designs of one Leonard Charles Wyon.

In 1871 a uniform decimal currency was established in Canada, eliminating the use of old shillings and pence. Canada’s first mint, based in Ottawa, was opened on January 2, 1908. Currently all circulation coins produced by the Royal Canadian Mint are struck at a facility in Winnipeg.

Canadian Coins - rich history of unique style and identity

The strong senses of pride, identity and value so synonymous with Canada and its inhabitants led to the production of a number of commemorative coins. Coins have been issued to celebrate Canada’s peacekeepers, its volunteers, the country’s birthday, its provinces, the turn of the millennium and the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Canada produced the world’s first coloured coin to enter into circulation. Made with the cooperation of the Royal Canadian Legion, this 25-cent coin features a red poppy set in silver as a salute to those who have lost their lives in service of the nation.

Another Canadian first was the issue in 2005 of a Canadian citizen gracing a circulation coin. The 25 th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope prompted the Royal Canadian Mint to unveil the Terry Fox dollar in March 2005.

Canada also boasts the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin, regarding by many as the world’s purest and most beautiful gold bullion coin. The Royal Canadian Mint pioneered the concept of minting a gold coin without the need for a strengthening alloy, and the resulting coin is now .9999 and 24-carat pure.

The most valuable Canadian coin is the 1911 silver dollar, of which there are only two in existence. Never released for general circulation, one of these rare coins is owned by the Bank of Canada and the other remains in the hands of a private collector. These two coins are worth more than $1 million each.

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