Description

Circulated Raw Coin – Item pictured is actual coin.

In 1987 Canada the $1 banknote from circulation and replace it with $1 coins. The replacing coins were changed drastically from the previous Voyager Dollar series. The diameter was reduced from 32.13 mm to 26.72 mm, the coin shape went from being round to eleven sided and the composition was changed to nickel with a bronze plating. The specific bronze used for the plating is referred to as aureate bronze since its color composition is similar to gold.

The reverse was also changed from the Voyager image to that of a Canadian loon which quickly got the nickname “loonies” by the public.

Design

The obverse design features a bust image of Queen Elizabeth II and the phrase “ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA”. The official Royal Canadian Mint privy mark resides just below the bust. In June 2003, the Government of Canada announced that an updated effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would appear on all Canadian circulation coins in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation. This design is the work of artist Susanna Blunt, whose prior experience with Buckingham Palace included painting a portrait of Prince Edward.

The reverse, designed by Robert R. Carmichael, features a Canadian Loon on water with an island in the background. On the outer periphery are the words “CANADA” and “DOLLAR”. Just below the loon is the year of issue.