Canada’s toonie is about to look a whole lot different.
Looking back on the past year, it is without doubt that Queen Elizabeth’s death was one of the most notable occurrences of 2022.
In honour of her reign as Queen and her memory, the Royal Canadian has released a new toonie that features a black outer ring—some have described looking goth-like.
The newly circulated coin has all the marks and elements of the normal iconic toonie except for the nickel plated black outer ring.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was the first and only monarch to appear on the toonie since its release in 1996. Before the toonie, Canada had a $2 bill featuring the reigning monarch and a meadow scene with birds on the reverse side.
“Queen Elizabeth II served as Canada’s head of state for seven decades and for millions of Canadians, she was the only monarch they had ever known,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
“Our special $2 circulation coin offers Canadians a way to remember her.”
Queen Elizabeth II visited Victoria on six official royal trips. Victoria was her second most visited city in Canada next to Ottawa and she had an affinity for Vancouver Island and BC she showed by coming back on numerous occasions.
“British Columbians are deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II,” said former premier John Horgan following her death.
“The Queen will be remembered for her full-hearted service to her people, and her steadfast commitment to her duties as the sovereign and head of the Commonwealth.”
Related:
- The Royal Family confirms Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96
- Here’s a list of Queen Elizabeth II’s royal visits to British Columbia (PHOTOS)
- 13 captures from Queen Elizabeth II’s procession and commemorative service in Victoria (PHOTOS)
The depiction of the late Queen will be her most recent effigy that is featured on all coins that have been made recently.
Nearly five million of the memorial coins will enter the national coin distribution system in December and they’ll be in Victoria’s circulation when banks can restock their $2 coin inventories.
The Royal Canadian Mint says that additional volumes might be made, depending on what the market needs going forward.
They have yet to announce if and when the late Queen’s likeness on Canadian currency will change to that of King Charles III.
