Last updated on April 30th, 2025 at 10:32 am
Last Updated on April 30, 2025 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017 was more than just a milestone—it was a year-long, nationwide celebration of culture, unity, and national identity. Communities across the country came together to reflect on the past, honour shared values, and look forward to the future. From coast to coast, Canadians participated in festivals, heritage projects, and special events that showcased the diverse stories that make up the nation’s fabric.
Among the most enduring and collectible tributes to this sesquicentennial celebration came from the Royal Canadian Mint, which played a central role in marking the occasion. Known for its innovation, craftsmanship, and national pride, the Mint went above and beyond in 2017 by releasing a series of special coinage that captured the spirit of Canada 150 in brilliant detail.
The highlight of this effort was the “My Canada, My Inspiration” circulation coin series, a groundbreaking initiative that invited Canadians of all ages to submit designs that represented what Canada meant to them.
Over 10,000 submissions were received, and a public vote helped determine the final five winning designs, each representing a different denomination. These coins weren’t just designed by Canadians—they were designed for Canadians, making them one of the most democratic and heartfelt commemorative collections in the Mint’s history. 👉 Explore the Full 2017 Special Wrap Roll Collection
In addition to these coins, the Mint issued several collector sets, special wrap rolls, and even glow-in-the-dark circulation coins—a world first—to ensure that the 150th anniversary was remembered in a modern, meaningful, and artistic way. Through these releases, the Royal Canadian Mint provided a way for every Canadian to hold a piece of the celebration in their hands.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist, a patriotic collector, or simply someone looking for a meaningful keepsake, the 2017 Special Wrap Roll Collection and its individually released coins are the perfect tribute to this iconic year. Each coin tells a story, and together, they create a powerful portrait of a country celebrating who it is—and who it hopes to become.
A People’s Collection: Designed by Canadians
Unlike previous commemorative issues, the 2017 My Canada, My Inspiration series was created through a groundbreaking nationwide design contest organized by the Royal Canadian Mint. This contest invited Canadians of all ages and backgrounds to submit their artistic ideas, reflecting their vision of what it means to be Canadian.
Thousands of creative submissions poured in, showcasing the deep pride and diversity of perspectives across the country. The final winning designs were chosen through a popular vote, giving citizens a direct role in determining the imagery that would represent each coin denomination.
Each design in the series serves as a unique symbol of Canada’s identity, capturing our shared values, breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and collective hopes for a brighter future. From coast to coast, the coins tell a powerful story of unity and inspiration, celebrating both our history and the dreams that continue to shape our nation.
The Coins of the 2017 Canada 150 Collection
1. $2 Coin – Dance of the Spirits
Designed by Timothy Hsia, this breathtaking coin celebrates the natural wonder of the northern lights, illuminating the sky over Canada’s vast wilderness. The design beautifully captures the ethereal glow and movement of the auroras, making it a true tribute to one of nature’s most stunning phenomena. A vibrant coloured version enhances the design, turning it into a standout piece that will elevate any coin collection. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and collectors alike, this coin is a must-have addition.
2. $1 Coin – Connecting a Nation
Designed by Wesley Klassen, this coin pays tribute to Canada’s vast railway network, a vital infrastructure that connected the country from coast to coast. The railway played a key role in uniting provinces, fostering trade, and enabling the movement of people across the nation. It represents a defining chapter in Canada’s development, symbolizing progress, growth, and the spirit of collaboration that built the country we know today.
3. 25¢ Coin – Hope for a Green Future
This inspiring coin was designed by 8-year-old student Joelle Wong, whose creativity brings a youthful and powerful message of environmental stewardship to life. The design symbolizes hope for a greener, more sustainable future, encouraging all Canadians to take action in protecting our planet. With its bright colours, optimistic imagery, and uniquely Canadian charm, this coin is a reminder that even the smallest voices can spark big changes for a better tomorrow.
4. 10¢ Coin – Wings of Peace
Designed by Amy Choi, this stunning dime features a bold and elegant image of a dove in flight, symbolizing Canada’s longstanding role as a global peacekeeper. The dove, a universal emblem of peace, is depicted with outstretched wings, capturing movement and hope. This thoughtful design reflects Canada’s commitment to fostering harmony and its rich history of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts.
5. 5¢ Coin – Living Traditions
Gerald Gloade’s intricate design pays tribute to Indigenous cultures by incorporating traditional Mi’kmaq art, a rich visual language that reflects the heritage and stories of his people. By weaving Canada’s founding narratives into the smallest denomination coin, Gloade not only honours the past but also brings awareness to the deep, often overlooked contributions of Indigenous communities to the nation’s history. His work serves as both an artistic masterpiece and an educational piece, encouraging Canadians to reflect on the diverse roots of their shared identity.
Why Collect the 2017 Special Wrap Roll Set?
The 2017 Special Wrap Roll Collection is a premium collectible featuring uncirculated rolls of each denomination, wrapped in vibrant Canada 150-themed packaging. Whether displayed or preserved, this set represents a complete snapshot of Canada’s anniversary coinage in one historic release.
- Limited-edition rolls
- Brilliant uncirculated quality
- Unique collector packaging
- A perfect gift for history buffs and patriotic collectors
More Ways to Celebrate Canada’s 150th
Looking for more inspiration or gift ideas from this historic celebration? Back in 2017, Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary, a milestone marked by events and commemorations throughout the year. To honour the occasion, the Royal Canadian Mint released a series of beautiful commemorative coins, each one reflecting a piece of Canada’s rich history and culture.
At Colonial Acres Coins, we highlighted these special releases by publishing several blogs, offering deeper insights into the stories and significance behind each coin. These coins remain a meaningful way to celebrate Canadian heritage and make for thoughtful, collectible gifts.
Read: Why Canada 150 Coins Make the Perfect Gift
The 2017 Canada 150 coin collection is more than a set of coins—it’s a snapshot of national pride, artistic expression, and a celebration of unity. Whether you collect individual coins or complete sets like the Special Wrap Roll, these pieces are timeless reminders of Canada’s journey and values.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Canadian history.
