Did you know that the Royal Canadian Mint’s high-tech plant in Winnipeg produces over 1 billion circulation coins every year? That’s like 20 million coins per day or 750 coins per second! Even though the Mint has produced coins for more than 70 countries in the last 35 years, this post is all about its world-renowned 
Canadian circulation coins. You know the coins – you find them in your change and use them for tips, parking meters, vending machines and so much more. While it’s easy to look at circulation coins strictly for their monetary value, it’s important to remember that every coin has a story to tell – stories about our nation’s diverse culture, historical milestones and outstanding achievements to name a few.
To cap off the 2011 celebration of Parks Canada’s centennial – while also immortalizing Canadians’ pride in our legendary natural heritage and capturing our trademark passion for the great outdoors – the Royal Canadian Mint recently unveiled the following five new commemorative circulation coins:
Parks Canada Centennial one-dollar circulation coin (aka the Loonie) – Release Date: October 7, 2011
Boreal Forest two-dollar circulation coin (aka the Toonie) – Release Date: November 1, 2011
The three 25-cent circulation coins (aka Quarters) – of which half will be coloured – feature these themes and release dates:
- Wood Bison – Release Date: Mid-February, 2012
- Orca – Release Date: Mid-March, 2012
- Peregrine Falcon – Release Date: Mid-April, 2012
Since the one-dollar circulation coin commemorating the centennial of Parks Canada entered circulation on October 7, the hunt for new coins began! Dated “1911-2011”, this Loonie’s intricate and detailed design features stylized land, air and aquatic fauna, varieties of flora, as well as a symbolic park building and the silhouette of a hiker framed by a snow-capped mountain range.
As each of the five new coins start circulating, Canadians can participate in what the Mint calls “online coin exchanges” at www.mint.ca/legendary. With free shipping and no taxes, it’s a convenient and sure way to add the coins to your collection. For almost instant gratification, you can go online now and order a 5-pack of shiny, new Parks Canada Centennial Loonies for $5 – it’s that simple.
Whether you order your 2011 circulation coins online or you wait for the thrill of finding them in your change, the choice is yours!
