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HomeWorld CoinsIconic Canadian Symbol Turns 30: "The Loonie" Dollar Coin Celebrates Big Birthday

Iconic Canadian Symbol Turns 30: “The Loonie” Dollar Coin Celebrates Big Birthday

Canada 1996 Loonie

In June 1987, Canadians from coast to coast to coast welcomed Canada’s new 11-sided one-dollar coin in their pockets and change purses. The coin also found its way into our hearts and was soon dubbed the “Loonie” after the solitary loon that graces its reverse side. The introduction of the coin was the most significant change in Canada’s currency system in almost 50 years.

“It’s very fitting that during Canada 150, we are also celebrating one of the country’s most recognizable symbols,” said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “In addition to depicting several special designs over the past 30 years, the Loonie is also known around the world as an innovative trailblazer for its composition and cutting-edge security features.”

To celebrate the Loonie’s birthday, the Mint has produced a special numismatic set. This set features a 99.99% pure silver edition of the now-classic Loonie design that graces the reverse of Canada’s one-dollar circulation coin, as designed by Robert Ralph Carmichael. Next to it, the second coin re-creates the coin’s intended one-dollar design of the “Voyageur“, as designed by Emanuel Hahn and which first appeared on the 1935 silver dollar. This set has a limited mintage of 10,000.

The set can be ordered today by contacting the Royal Canadian Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online www.mint.ca. It is also being sold at the Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

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About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.
 

Royal Canadian Mint
Royal Canadian Minthttps://www.mint.ca/en-us
The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. In operation since 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale.

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