Last updated on July 22nd, 2025 at 10:52 am
Last Updated on July 22, 2025 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint has released an exceptional coin collection in 2023 to celebrate one of Canada’s most inspiring figures, Elsie MacGill. Known as the “Queen of the Hurricanes,” Elsie MacGill’s legacy in engineering, aviation, and advocacy for women’s rights solidifies her as a Canadian icon.
To honour her remarkable contributions, the Mint has crafted two unique $1 coins and accompanying collector items that beautifully commemorate her influential life. At Colonial Acres Coins, we are proud to stock these stunning pieces so collectors, history enthusiasts, and anyone admiring Elsie’s story can own a tangible piece of Canadian history.
Whether as a single piece or a part of a collector’s set, these coins are a meaningful way to celebrate a pioneer who inspired generations.
A Closer Look at the 2023 Coins Honouring Elsie MacGill
The design of the commemorative coins is as intricate as the legacy they pay tribute to. Each coin incorporates key elements that showcase Elsie MacGill’s extraordinary accomplishments and enduring influence.
Design Features and Symbolism
1. Portrait of Elsie MacGill: The reverse of the coin features an elegant portrait of Elsie, understated yet dignified, celebrating her pioneering achievements in aeronautical engineering.
2. Aviation Legacy: Complementing her portrait is imagery of the Hawker Hurricane aircraft, a fighter plane she helped produce during World War II. The inclusion of the Maple Leaf Trainer II design highlights her role as the first woman to design and produce an aircraft.
3. Queen Elizabeth II Effigy: The obverse side displays the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by four pearls symbolizing the four effigies featured on Canadian coins during her reign.
4. Coloured and Uncoloured Versions: While the uncoloured version offers a timeless metallic finish, the coloured coin presents vibrant hues that bring the Hurricane aircraft to life in a sky-blue backdrop.
Special Commemorative Items
- Keepsake Card: Includes both the coloured and uncoloured coins in a beautifully designed card with a timeline of Elsie MacGill’s life.
- Special Wrap Roll: A roll of 25 coloured coins wrapped in custom-designed paper for collectors seeking a larger collection of these historic coins.
Who Was Elsie MacGill?
Elsie MacGill (1905–1980) was no ordinary woman. She shattered glass ceilings in a time when women were often excluded from male-dominated professions, paving the way for generations to come.
Early Life and Education
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- Elsie was born into a family that prioritized education and advocacy for women. Her mother, Helen Gregory MacGill, was one of Canada’s first female judges, igniting the torch of feminism that Elsie carried throughout her life.
- She earned her electrical engineering degree from the University of Toronto in 1927 and became the first woman in North America to earn a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1929.
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Overcoming Adversity
Shortly after earning her master’s, Elsie was diagnosed with polio, which temporarily left her unable to walk. Refusing to be limited by her condition, she learned to walk again and continued her groundbreaking work from a wheelchair until she fully recovered. Her resilience was a testament to her strength and determination.
Achievements in Engineering
- Hawker Hurricane Production: Elsie became the first woman to oversee the production of warplanes as Chief Aeronautical Engineer at the Canadian Car and Foundry Company (CanCar). Under her leadership, over 1,450 Hawker Hurricanes were produced for the Allied forces during World War II.
- Aircraft Design: She designed the Maple Leaf Trainer II, the first airplane in Canada to be designed and produced by a woman.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights
Beyond engineering, Elsie was a fierce feminist, serving as the national president of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club. She played a crucial role in Canada’s Royal Commission on the Status of Women, advocating for equality in pay and opportunities.
Why Honour Elsie MacGill?
Elsie MacGill’s life is a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can break barriers. Her achievements in engineering not only changed the landscape of aviation but also carved a space for women in industries previously dominated by men.
Highlights of Elsie MacGill’s Legacy
- First female aeronautical engineer in North America.
- Played a key role in Canada’s wartime production during World War II.
- Dedicated feminist and advocate for human rights.
- An inspirational figure for young engineers and advocates around the world.
Why Collect the Elsie MacGill Coins?
Adding the Elsie MacGill commemorative coins or keepsake items to your collection isn’t just about owning currency. It’s about owning a piece of history that celebrates resilience, innovation, and advocacy.
Features of the 2023 Coins
- Crafted in three-ply brass finish plated steel, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
- Available in both colour and uncoloured designs.
- Commemorates an iconic Canadian with timeless detail and craftsmanship.
Choose From These Collectible Options
- Keepsake Card: Includes both the coloured and uncoloured coins in a visually stunning collector’s item.
- Special Wrap Roll: For avid collectors, the roll provides 25 coins with colour, allowing you to showcase or share Elsie’s legacy.
- Single Coins: Whether coloured or not, these are perfect for showcasing her impact in your collection.
Educational Insights Through Coin Collecting
Collecting commemorative coins like the Elsie MacGill series can also become an educational experience. These coins open discussions about the historical figures they feature, their accomplishments, and the lessons we can learn from them.
Key Takeaways for Collectors and Enthusiasts
- Historical Significance: The coins capture pivotal moments in Canada’s history, such as its contributions during World War II.
- Investment in Art: With intricate designs and a connection to Canada’s heritage, these coins become both an aesthetic and cultural asset.
- Global Inspiration: Elsie’s story amplifies the global message of perseverance and equality.
Honour Her Story at Colonial Acres Coins
At Colonial Acres Coins, we’re thrilled to help preserve Elsie MacGill’s legacy by making these coins available for collectors across Canada. Whether you’re adding to a personal collection or buying for someone inspired by her story, we invite you to explore this historic line of commemorative collectibles today.
Shop Elsie MacGill Coins Now
- Visit Colonial Acres Coins online and select from the Elsie MacGill coin range.
- Own a piece of Canadian history while celebrating an extraordinary woman’s inspiring legacy.
Embrace your love for numismatic treasures and keep the memory of Canada’s “Queen of the Hurricanes” alive through these timeless commemorative coins.
