The nickel was introduced in Canada in 1858, but it wasn’t called a nickel until 1922, when the Royal Canadian Mint actually used nickel to make the coins. A few years later, 1937 saw the introduction of the familiar beaver design. The abdication of Edward VIII caused issues with some coins, but the nickel wasn’t affected. Nickels minted prior to 1936 were more durable than other coins, so there was no need to mint more until after George VI ascended the throne. These rare Canadian nickels can be valuable when found in good condition. Click here to learn more about…
Royal Canadian Mint
2021 Specimen 6 Coin Set Showcases The Endangered Blanding Turtle
The Royal Canadian Mint releases special coins for all sorts of reasons. They can mark notable events, commemorate history, honour Canadian culture, or otherwise celebrate the country. However, arguably the most important coins released by the Mint are those that represent Canada’s natural treasures, especially species that are endangered. One of the 2021 Canadian coin sets showcases the Blanding’s Turtle, an endangered species from Central and Eastern Canada. The Blanding’s Turtle This semi-aquatic turtle is a native of Canada and some parts of the United States. It is a medium-sized turtle that is easy to recognize thanks to its bright…
A Look At Investing In Canadian Gold Coins
Gold coins were used as a primary form of currency in many countries until the early 1900s. Gold has been used as currency for hundreds of years for many reasons. It doesn’t tarnish, and it can be quickly melted to make different types of money. Gold coins are also difficult to counterfeit and are appreciated for their beauty and rarity. Coins still have a broad appeal, especially for collectors and investors. Canadian gold coins produced by the Royal Canadian Mint are popular with all types of investors. If you are interested in collecting coins, it can be a fun, worthwhile…
Celebrate Her Majesty’s Birthday With A Coin Featuring The Lovers Knot Tiara
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has featured prominently on Canadian coins since her coronation in 1953. The obverse, or front, of each coin bears a portrait of the Queen, also referred to as an effigy. Throughout the years of her reign, the effigies have been updated periodically to reflect her maturity and life experience. This year marks Queen Elizabeth’s 95th birthday. In honour of the occasion, the Royal Canadian Mint has designed a commemorative coin that features one of her most famous and recognizable pieces of jewellery and bears witness to the poise and strength that she has always exhibited…
Celebrating The Snowbirds With The Royal Canadian Mint
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Forces’ 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, more commonly known as the Snowbirds. The Snowbirds have performed at over 2,500 airshows across North America, entertaining over 150 million spectators with the coordinated excellence they demonstrate by their aerial acrobatics. Based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the Snowbirds have represented each Canadian armed service and every province. Not only are the pilots themselves all volunteers, but so are all their support staff and technicians. The Snowbirds’ primary mission is to be ambassadors for the Canadian Armed Forces, and the affection with which they are regarded…
Interested in Astronomy? This 2021 5oz Solar System Silver Coin Is A Must Have!
Coins can be a lot more than just currency. Throughout history, they have been used to celebrate important events, people and culture. In 2021, the Royal Canadian Mint released a $50 coin to showcase one of its biggest subjects yet: our solar system. This coin is a must-have item for any astronomy lover. It is also a great example of the beautiful artwork that is made possible by modern minting methods. 5 Things To Know About Our Solar System For much of human history, we considered the Earth to be the center of everything. However, as astronomy and space travel…
Royal Canadian Mint Releases The 2021 Black & Gold Wolf Silver Coin
Canada is home to a number of remarkable creatures. One of these is the grey wolf, the largest member of the canine family in the world and the forebears of all domesticated dogs. The grey wolf is an apex predator with an important ecological role to play. Unfortunately, its unearned reputation as a vicious killer prone to attack humans has decreased its numbers to dangerous levels. Once ranging over most of North America, the grey wolf’s habitat is largely limited to Canada and a few areas of the United States, particularly Alaska. Because of its dwindling numbers, the grey wolf…
New Book Featuring the 2020 Released Canadian Coins
Every year, the Royal Canadian Mint releases various coins. These include the year’s latest currency for circulation as well as a variety of special coins for collection and commemoration. Whether 2020 was an important year for you or you just love collecting coins, the Mint’s new book may be right for you. It is a great way to celebrate all the coins of 2020. The Book The Annual Collection book is a great way to see all the different coins that were released in 2020 and learn more about the significance behind each design. Most designs are intended only for…
New 2021 Collector Set With $2 Coin & Bank Note
If you’re a Canadian coin enthusiast, the new 2021 Collector Set with $2 Coin and Bank Note is the perfect addition to your coin collection. Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin and banknote set celebrates the rich history of the Canadian toonie. Here’s everything you need to know about what makes this set so special. The History While Canadian currency has been around for centuries, it evolved to its current form starting in the 1850s, when Canada decided to adopt a currency system that resembled the one the United States used. The government issued both coins and (from…
Counterfiet Toonie? What Canadians Should Look For!
If you purchase rolls of Canadian two-dollar coins at your local bank, up to 2% of the coins you purchase could be counterfeit. According to an Ontario-based numismatics expert, suspected counterfeit toonies have been circulating since at least November of last year. Though the Royal Canadian Mint incorporates security features into the coins it produces, the alleged fakes have been showing up in the cash registers of unsuspecting businesses and in rolls of coins sold by local banks. Counterfeit Canadian coins are worthless copies. It is important for you to be able to recognize fake coins to protect your investment…