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Royal Canadian Mint numismatic coins (2000s) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Royal Canadian Mint makes special coins for collectors, called numismatic coins. These aren't for spending in stores, but are beautiful pieces of art or history that people love to collect!

Around the year 2000, the Mint started making many more of these special coins. They introduced new types, like 3-cent, 5-cent, and 10-cent coins, and even bigger ones like $3 and $8 coins. By 2006, they were even making very fancy coins worth $250, $300, and $350!

The Mint also started working with Canada Post to create cool coin and stamp sets. They made ten of these sets in just one decade! Another big focus was making coins to honor Canada's military and Olympic achievements.

Coins like the 5-cent piece became important for remembering Canada's military history, from Vimy Ridge to D-Day. And remember the "Lucky Loonie"? That's the special loon coin that brought good luck to Canada's hockey teams at the 2002 Olympics! The Mint celebrated this by releasing special "Going for the Gold" coin sets.

Over time, the prices of some popular collector coins, like the Silver Dollar and Gold coins, went up quite a bit. For example, a Silver Dollar that cost $29.95 in 2000 was $39.95 by 2006. Gold coins saw even bigger price jumps because the value of gold increased.

The Mint also made amazing progress with technology. In 2002, they used lasers to etch a design directly onto a gold coin for the first time! They also created the first Canadian coin designed completely with computer software in 2006, featuring astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield. Another cool coin was the Northern Lights $20 Silver Coin, which had a hologram that blended right into the coin's design.

Contents

Commemorative Silver Dollars: Special Designs

The Royal Canadian Mint creates special silver dollar coins each year with unique themes. These coins celebrate important moments, people, or places in Canadian history. They are often sold in two main types: "Proof" coins, which are very shiny and detailed, and "Brilliant Uncirculated" (BU) coins, which are also high quality but not quite as fancy.

Silver Dollars with Gold Plating

Some of the special silver dollars are even more unique because they have parts covered in real gold! These gold-plated coins are usually sold as part of larger "Proof Sets" for collectors.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2005 40th Anniversary, Canada's Flag William Woodruff N/A $84.95
2006 Victoria Cross Royal Canadian Mint Staff N/A $84.95
2007 Thayendanegea Joseph Brant RCM Staff based on image by Laurie McGaw N/A $89.95
2008 400th Anniversary of Quebec Suzanne Duranceau 60,000 $89.95
2009 100th Anniversary of Flight Jason Bouwman 55,000 $99.95

Montreal Canadiens 100th Anniversary Coins

To celebrate 100 years of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, the Mint made four special gold coins. These coins are on display in Montreal, honoring hockey legends like Maurice Richard and Guy Lafleur. Each coin has the Canadiens' special logo and is displayed with two 5-cent coins from the start and end of the player's career. A special silver dollar was also made for this anniversary.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price (with acrylic stand) Issue Price (with standard packaging)
2009 Montreal Canadiens centennial Royal Canadian Mint engravers 15,000 $74.95 $69.95

Numismatic Coins: Small Change, Big Stories

The Mint also creates special versions of smaller coins, like 1-cent, 3-cent, 5-cent, 10-cent, and 25-cent pieces. These are not meant for everyday use but are designed with unique themes and often have special features like color or larger sizes.

Special 1-Cent Coins

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2004 2003 Annual Report Collectible G.E. Kruger-Gray 10,000 $24.95

Special 3-Cent Coins

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2001 Sesquicentennial of Canada's First Postage Stamp Based on an image by Sir Sanford Fleming 59,573 $39.95

Special 5-Cent Coins

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2000 Les Voltigeurs de Québec RCM Staff 34,024 $16.95
2001 125th Anniversary, Royal Military College Gerald T. Locklin 25,834 $16.95
2002 85th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge S.A. Allward 22,646 $16.95
2004 60th Anniversary of D-Day Thomas Shingles 20,019 $29.95
2005 60th Anniversary of End of World War II Thomas Shingles 42,792 $29.95
2005 Annual Report Coin (Selectively Gold Plated) Thomas Shingles 12,000 $24.95

Special 10-Cent Coins

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2000 100th Anniversary, Credit Unions, Alphonse Desjardins Jean-Guy Lebel 69,791 $14.95
2001 International Year of the Volunteers RCM Design 40,634 $14.95
2004 100th Anniversary of Canadian Open Cosme Saffioti 31,744 $39.95

Special 25-Cent Coins

The Mint made many special 25-cent coins, including a series for the Millennium in 2000. Some of these coins were even colored!

Larger 25-Cent Coins

Some 25-cent coins were made in a bigger size than usual. These often celebrated important events or anniversaries.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price Special Notes
2006 80th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II Cosme Saffioti 25,000 19.95 First Oversized 25-cent Coin
2007 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's Wedding Robert-Ralph Carmichael 35,000 21.95 N/A
2008 Anne of Green Gables Ben Stahl N/A $19.95
2008 90th Anniversary, End of World War I David Craig N/A $19.95 Part of End of World War I Coin Set
2009 Notre-Dame-de-Saguenay Photo courtesy of Alain Dumas, Paul Hurteau and Claude Parent N/A $14.95 Photos of the Saguenay Fjord and Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay statue.

Canada Day Coins

Every year, the Mint releases special 25-cent coins for Canada Day. These often feature fun, colorful designs. In 2002, a plain version of the Canada Day coin was given to new Canadians at their citizenship ceremonies.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price Special Notes
2000 Millennium Coloured Coin "Canada Day" Laura Paxton 26,106 $8.95 1st Canada Day Coin
2001 Canada Day Coloured Coin Silke Ware 96,352 $9.95 N/A
2002 Canada Day Coloured Coin Judith Chartier 49,901 $9.95 N/A
2003 Canada Day Coloured Coin Jade Pearen 63,511 $9.95 N/A
2004 Canada Day Coloured Coin Cosme Saffioti 44,759 $9.95 N/A
2004 Canada Day Multi-Ply Plated Steel Nick Wooster 29,762 24.95 Part of Canada Day Bundle which included a fanny pack, a water bottle, and a T-shirt
2005 Canada Day Coin Stan Witten N/A 9.95 The Beaver on the coin is also called "Bucky the Beaver".
2006 Canada Day Coin (Coloured featuring two children holding a Canadian flag) N/A N/A 9.95 Packaged with Four Crayola Crayons
2007 Canada Day Coin (Coloured Coin with tattoos) N/A N/A $9.95 Featuring MacLean the Mountie. Packaged with tattoos
2008 Canada Day Coin (Coloured Coin with tattoos) N/A N/A $9.95 Featuring Moose. Packaged with tattoos and games
2009 Canada Day Coin (Coloured Coin with polar bear, loon, beaver, caribou) N/A N/A $14.95 Caricature of animals from Circulation Coins. Packaged with postcard and magnets

Holiday Coin Sets

The Mint also makes special 25-cent coins for the holidays, often featuring festive themes like Santa Claus or Christmas stockings.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2004 Santa Claus N/A 60,965 19.95
2005 Christmas stocking N/A N/A 19.95
2006 Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer N/A N/A 19.95
2007 Christmas tree N/A N/A 19.95
2008 Santa Claus N/A N/A 19.95
2009 Santa Claus N/A N/A 19.95

NHL Team Coins

Hockey fans will love these! The Mint has released 25-cent coins featuring different NHL teams, often as part of special coin and puck sets.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price Special Notes
2007 Calgary Flames N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2007 Calgary Flames N/A 832 24.95 From Calgary Flames Gift Set
2007 Edmonton Oilers N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2007 Edmonton Oilers N/A 2213 24.95 From Edmonton Oilers Gift Set
2007 Montreal Canadiens N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2007 Montreal Canadiens N/A 2952 24.95 From Montreal Canadiens Gift Set
2007 Ottawa Senators N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2007 Ottawa Senators N/A 1634 24.95 From Ottawa Senators Gift Set
2007 Toronto Maple Leafs N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2007 Toronto Maple Leafs N/A 3527 24.95 From Toronto Maple Leafs Gift Set
2007 Vancouver Canucks N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2007 Vancouver Canucks N/A 1264 24.95 From Vancouver Canucks Gift Set

Birds of Canada Series

This series features beautiful Canadian birds on 25-cent coins, often with a touch of color to make the birds stand out.

Year Animal Artist Finish Mintage Issue Price
2007 Ruby-throated hummingbird Arnold Nogy Specimen (with selective colouring) 25,000 $24.95
2007 Red-breasted nuthatch Arnold Nogy Specimen (with selective colouring) 25,000 $24.95
2008 Downy woodpecker Arnold Nogy Specimen (with selective colouring) 25,000 $24.95
2008 Northern cardinal Arnold Nogy Specimen (with selective colouring) 25,000 $24.95
2010 American goldfinch Arnold Nogy (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse) Specimen (with selective colouring) 14,000 $24.95

Numismatic Fifty-Cent Collections

The Mint also creates special 50-cent coins, sometimes with unique shapes or features like holograms.

Discovering Nature Series

This series, which started in 1995, features Canadian wildlife. In 2000, it focused on Canada's birds of prey.

  • Started in 1995
Year Theme Artist Finish Issue Price (For Four Coin Set) Total Mintage Designs
2000 Canada's Birds of Prey Jean-Luc Grandin and Pierre Leduc Proof $59.95 123,628 Bald eagle, osprey, great horned owl, red-tailed hawk

Canadian Sports Series

This series, which began in 1998, highlights important moments in Canadian sports history.

  • Started in 1998
Year Coin No 1 Coin No 2 Coin No 3 Coin No 4 Artist Finish Issue Price (For Four Coin Set) Total Mintage
2000 First Recorded Hockey Game, 1875 Introduction of Curling to North America, 1760 First Steeplechase Race, 1840 Birth of the 5-Pin Bowling League, 1910 Brian Hughes Proof $59.95 50,091

Canadian Festivals Series

These 50-cent coins celebrate different festivals across Canada, from the Québec Winter Carnival to the Calgary Stampede.

Year Coin No 1 Coin No 2 Coin No 3 Coin No 4 Coin No 5 Artist Finish Issue Price for each coin Total Mintage
2001 Québec Winter Carnival Toonik Tyme (Nunavut) Folk Festival (Newfoundland) Festival of Fathers (PEI) N/A Sylvie Daigneault, John Mardon, David Craig, Brenda Whiteway Proof $21.95 58,123
2002 Annapolis Valley Blossom (Nova Scotia) Stratford Festival (Ontario) Folkarama (Manitoba) Calgary Stampede, (Alberta) Squamish Days, (BC) Sylvie Daigneault, John Mardon, David Craig, Michelle Grant, Brenda Whiteway Proof $21.95 61,900
2003 Yukon Festival Back to Batoche (Manitoba) Great Northern Arts Festival (Inuvik) Festival Acadien de Caraquet (New Brunswick) N/A Ken Anderson, David Hannan, Dawn Oman, Hudson Design Group Proof $21.95 26,451

Canadian Folklore and Legends Series

This series brings Canadian stories and legends to life on coins.

Year Coin No 1 Coin No 2 Coin No 3 Artist Finish Issue Price for each coin Total Mintage
2001 The Sled The Maiden's Cave Les Petits Sauteux Valentina Holtz-Entin, Peter Kiss, Miyuki Tanobe Proof $24.95 28,979
2002 The Pig That Wouldn't Get Over The Stile Shoemaker in Heaven Le Vaisseau Fantome Laura Jolicoeur, Francine Gravel, Colette Boivin Proof $24.95 19,789

Canadian Floral Collection

These beautiful coins feature different flowers from Canada, often with selective gold plating to make them shine.

Year Theme Artist Finish Issue Price Total Mintage
2002 Golden Tulip Anthony Testa Proof (selectively gold plated) $24.95 19,986
2003 Golden Daffodil Christie Paquet Proof (selectively gold plated) $34.95 36,293
2004 Golden Easter Lily Christie Paquet Proof (selectively gold plated) $34.95 23,486
2005 Golden rose Christie Paquet Proof (selectively gold plated) $34.95 23,000
2006 Golden Daisy Christie Paquet Proof (selectively gold plated) $34.95 23,000
2007 Golden Forget-Me-Not Christie Paquet Proof (selectively gold plated) $38.95 20,000

Butterfly Collection

This collection features different butterflies, some with holograms and others with gold plating or color.

Year Butterfly Artist Mintage Issue Price Finish
2004 Tiger swallowtail Jianping Yan 19,910 $39.95 Hologram
2004 Clouded Sulphur Susan Taylor 15,281 $39.95 Selective gold plating
2005 Monarch Susan Taylor 20,000 $39.95 Colourized, orange and black
2005 Great Spangled Fritillary Jianping Yan 20,000 $39.95 Hologram
2006 Short-tailed swallowtail Susan Taylor 20,000 $39.95 Proof (with coloured butterfly)
2006 Silvery blue Jianping Yan 20,000 $39.95 Hologram

Legends of Hockey Coins

Another great series for hockey fans! These sets feature four coins each, honoring famous players from the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Year Team Legends Mintage Issue Price Finish
2005 Montreal Canadiens Jean Beliveau, Guy Lafleur, Jacques Plante, Maurice Richard 25,000 $99.95 Specimen
2005 Toronto Maple Leafs Johnny Bower, Tim Horton, Dave Keon, Darryl Sittler 25,000 $99.95 Specimen

All legends sets consisted of four coins with images provided courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Numismatic One, Two, and Three Dollar Coins

The Mint also produces special versions of Canada's dollar coins, including the "Loonie" ($1) and "Toonie" ($2), and even a unique $3 coin.

Special One Dollar Coins

One Dollar
Year 2000 Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price Special Notes
2002 Centre Ice Coin R.R. Carmichael 25,000 N/A This coin was to commemorate Canada's Olympic hockey gold medal victory in Men's and Women's Hockey at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. It was part of the Going for the Gold set, which included Olympic stamps and Maclean's magazine. Another feature of the coin was that it was a double dated coin featuring the years 1987 (to recognize the first year of production) and 2002.
2004 Elusive loon N/A 25,105 $25.22 part of Coin and Stamp set
2004 Sterling Silver Lucky Loonie R.R. Carmichael, RCM Staff 19,941 $39.95. to commemorate 2004 Athens Olympics
2005 40th Anniversary of Canada's Flag William Woodruff 5,000 $99.95 Enameled red
2006 Baby Lullabies N/A N/A $29.95 (featuring a Teddy Bear, part of Baby Lullabies and CD Gift Set)
2006 Baby Lullabies Sterling Silver N/A N/A $79.95 From Sterling Silver Baby Premium Coin Set
2006 Gold Louis Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 10,000 $102.95 The motto on the reverse of the coin is "CHRS REGN VINC IMP" ("Christ reigns, defeats and commands")
2006 Medal of Bravery RCM Engravers 5,000 $109.95 Enamel red
2006 Snowflake N/A N/A $34.95 part of Holiday Carols and CD Set
2006 Sterling Silver Lucky Loonie Jean-Luc Grandin 19,956 $39.95 to commemorate 2006 Torino Olympics
2007 Building Blocks N/A N/A 34.95 From Baby Keepsake Tins
2007 Gold Plated Rattle N/A N/A 89.95 From Baby Premium Coin Set
2007 Rattle N/A N/A 34.95 From Baby Lullabies CD set
2007 Sterling Silver One Dollar Robert Ralph Carmichael N/A $89.95 Part of 2007 Wedding Premium Coin Set
2007 Gold Louis Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 10,000 $104.95 Second Gold Louis Coin
2007 Thayendanegea Joseph Brant Adopted from artwork by Laurie McGraw 7,500 129.95 Enameled with various colours
2008 Sterling Silver One Dollar Robert Ralph Carmichael N/A N/A Part of 2008 Baby Lullabies CD Set, Baby Keepsake Tin, Baby Premium Coin Set, and Wedding Premium Coin Set
2008 Gold Louis Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 10,000 $124.95 Third Gold Louis Coin

NHL One Dollar Coins

More hockey coins! These one-dollar coins also feature NHL teams and are often sold in special gift sets.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price Special Notes
2008 Calgary Flames N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2008 Calgary Flames N/A N/A 24.95 From Calgary Flames Gift Set
2008 Edmonton Oilers N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2008 Edmonton Oilers N/A N/A 24.95 From Edmonton Oilers Gift Set
2008 Montreal Canadiens N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2008 Montreal Canadiens N/A N/A 24.95 From Montreal Canadiens Gift Set
2008 Ottawa Senators N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2008 Ottawa Senators N/A N/A 24.95 From Ottawa Senators Gift Set
2008 Toronto Maple Leafs N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2008 Toronto Maple Leafs N/A N/A 24.95 From Toronto Maple Leafs Gift Set
2008 Vancouver Canucks N/A N/A 15.95 From Coin and Puck Set
2008 Vancouver Canucks N/A N/A 24.95 From Vancouver Canucks Gift Set
2009 Calgary Flames N/A N/A 24.95 From Calgary Flames Gift Set
2009 Edmonton Oilers N/A N/A 24.95 From Edmonton Oilers Gift Set
2009 Montreal Canadiens N/A N/A 24.95 From Montreal Canadiens Gift Set
2009 Ottawa Senators N/A N/A 24.95 From Ottawa Senators Gift Set
2009 Toronto Maple Leafs N/A N/A 24.95 From Toronto Maple Leafs Gift Set
2009 Vancouver Canucks N/A N/A 24.95 From Vancouver Canucks Gift Set

Special Two Dollar Coins

The Mint has created special "Toonie" coins, including a 22K gold version for its 10th anniversary!

Two Dollars
Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2004 Proud polar bear (part of Coin and Stamp Set) N/A 25,208 $29.22
2006 22K Gold 10th Anniversary Two Dollar Coin Brent Townsend 3,000 $399.95

Special Three Dollar Coins

The Mint even made a unique square-shaped 3-dollar coin featuring a beaver!

Three Dollars
Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2006 Sterling Silver Square Beaver Coin Cosme Saffioti 20,000 $45.95

Numismatic Four, Five, and Eight Dollar Coins

The Mint also produces coins with unusual face values like $4, $5, and $8, often for special collections.

Four Dollar Coins: Giants of Prehistory

This series features amazing dinosaurs!

Four Dollars
Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2007 Parasaurolophus (part of Giants of Prehistory) Kerri Burnett 20,000 $39.95
2008 Triceratops (part of Giants of Prehistory) Kerri Burnett 20,000 $39.95
2009 Tyrannosaurus rex (part of Giants of Prehistory) Kerri Burnett 20,000 $42.95
2010 Dromaeosaurus (part of Giants of Prehistory) Kerri Burnett 20,000 $42.95
2010 Euoplocephalus tutus (part of Giants of Prehistory) Kerri Burnett 13,000 $49.95

Five Dollar Coins

These $5 coins cover a wide range of topics, from wireless transmission to the FIFA World Cup.

Five Dollars
Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2001 First Wireless Transmission (part of joint coin set with British Royal Mint) Cosme Saffioti 15,011 $99.95
2002 15th Anniversary of Loonie (Hologram) RCM Staff 29,970 $39.95
2002 90th Anniversary of $5 Coin Gold W.H.J. Blakemore 1998 $749.95 (for two coin set)
2003 FIFA 2006 World Cup of Soccer Utszula Walerzak 19,519 $39.95
2004 100th Anniversary of Canadian Open Golf Tournament (was part of Canadian Open Commemorative Frame) Cosme Saffioti 15,623 $49.99
2004 Majestic Moose (had year 2004 on obverse but was released in 2003, part of Coin and Stamp Set) David Preston-Smith 25,553 $39.95
2005 60th Anniversary, End of World War II (ORIGINAL ISSUE) Peter Mossman 25,000 $39.95
2005 60th Anniversary, End of World War II (VARIANT) Peter Mossman 10,000 245 British Pounds
2005 Alberta Centennial Michelle Grant 20,000 $49.95
2005 Atlantic Walrus and Calf (from $5 Coin and Stamp Set) Pierre Leduc 25,555 $49.55
2005 Saskatchewan Centennial Paulette Sapergia 20,000 $49.95
2005 White tailed deer and fawn (from $5 Coin and Stamp Set) Xerxes Irani 25,555 $49.55
2006 Breast Cancer Enamelled Christie Paquet 15,000 $59.95
2006 Peregrine Falcon (from $5 Coin and Stamp Set) Dwayne Harty 25,555 $49.55
2006 Sable Island Horse (from $5 Coin and Stamp Set) Paul Illsley 25,555 $49.55
2006 Snowbirds (part of Coin and Stamp Set) Jianping Yan 25,555 $59.95
2009 80th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan N/A 40,000 $47.95

Eight Dollar Coins

These $8 coins often have unique features, like a square hole in the middle or a Swarovski crystal!

Eight Dollars
Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price Special Notes
2004 Great Grizzly N/A 25,883 $48.88 Part of Coin and Stamp Set
2005 Chinese Railway Workers RCM Staff 20,000 $120.00 Two Coin Set
2007 Fine Silver Chinese Coin Harvey Chan 20,000 $45.95 Square hole in the middle of the coin
2009 Maple of Wisdom Simon Ng 14,888 $88.88 Part of the Maple Leaf Hologram Series; Sterling Silver; Swarovski Crystal Element in the middle

Ten Dollar Coins

The Mint has also produced special $10 coins, celebrating events like the "Year of the Veteran" or the Pope John Paul II.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2002 90th Anniversary of $10 Coin Gold W.H.J. Blakemore 1998 $749.95 (for two coin set)
2005 Year of the Veteran Elaine Gobel 20,000 $49.95
2005 Pope John Paul II Susan Taylor 24,716 $49.95
2006 Fortress of Louisbourg Susan Taylor N/A $49.95

Fifteen Dollar Coins

These $15 coins include popular series like the Chinese Lunar Cameo coins and the Vignettes of Royalty.

Chinese Lunar Cameo Coin Series

This series celebrates the Chinese zodiac animals, with each coin featuring a gold-plated cameo of the animal for that year.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
1998 Year of the Tiger Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 68,888 $68.88
1999 Year of the Rabbit Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 88,634 $72.88
2000 Year of the Dragon Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 88,888 $72.88
2001 Year of the Snake Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 60,754 $78.88
2002 Year of the Horse Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 59,395 $78.88
2003 Year of the Goat Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 53,714 $78.88
2004 Year of the Monkey Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 46,182 $83.88
2005 Year of the Rooster Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 44,691 $83.88
2006 Year of the Dog Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 41,617 $88.88
2007 Year of the Pig Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 48,888 $88.88
2008 Year of the Rat Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 48,888 $88.88
2009 Year of the Ox Harvey Chan 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper with 24K gold-plated cameo 48,888 $88.88

Vignettes of Royalty Series

This series features different monarchs who have appeared on Canadian coins throughout history.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2007 Queen Victoria Leonard Charles Wyon 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 10,000 $99.95
2008 King Edward VII Original effigy artwork by George William De Saulles 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 10,000 $99.95
2008 King George V Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 10,000 $99.95
2009 King George VI Thomas Hugh Paget 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 10,000 $104.95
2009 Queen Elizabeth II Mary Gillick 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 10,000 $104.95

Twenty Dollar Coins

The Mint has created many $20 coins, often as part of interesting collections.

Land, Sea and Rail Transportation Series

This series celebrates different ways people and goods have traveled in Canada.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2000 Steam Buggy John Mardon 44,367 $59.95
2000 The Bluenose J. Franklin Wright Included in Steam Buggy $59.95
2000 The Toronto John Mardon Included in Steam Buggy $59.95
2001 The Russell “Light Four” John Mardon 41,828 $59.95
2001 The Marco Polo J. Franklin Wright Included in The Russell $59.95
2001 The Scotia Don Curley Included in The Russell $59.95
2002 The Gray-Dort John Mardon 35,944 $59.95
2002 The William Lawrence Bonnie Ross Included in The Gray-Dort $59.95
2002 D-10 Locomotive Dan Fell Included in The Gray-Dort $59.95
2003 HMCS Bras D’Or Don Curley 31,997 $59.95
2003 C.N.R. FA-1 Diesel Electric John Mardon Included in HMCS Bras D’Or $59.95
2003 Bricklin SV-1 Brian Hughes Included in HMCS Bras D’Or $59.95

Natural Wonders Series

These coins showcase Canada's stunning natural beauty, from Niagara Falls to the Northern Lights. Some even feature holograms!

Year Design Issue Artist Mintage Issue Price
2003 Niagara Falls Hologram Gary Corcoran 29,967 $79.95
2003 Rocky Mountains Colorized José Osio 28,793 $69.95
2004 Iceberg Hologram José Osio 24,879 $69.95
2004 Northern Lights Double Image Hologram Gary Corcoran 34,135 $79.95
2004 Hopewell Rocks Selectively Gold Plated José Osio 16,918 $69.95
2005 Diamonds Double Image Hologram José Osio 35,000 $69.95

Lighthouse Collection

This collection features famous lighthouses from Canada's coasts.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2004 Sambro Island Lighthouse N/A N/A $69.95
2005 Toronto Island Lighthouse Brian Hughes 20,000 $69.95

National Parks Series

These coins celebrate Canada's beautiful national parks.

Year Park Artist Mintage Issue Price
2005 Pacific Rim (B.C.) Susanna Blunt 20,000 $69.95
2005 Mingan (Québec) Pierre Leduc 20,000 $69.95
2006 Georgian Bay (Ontario) Tony Bianco 20,000 $69.95
2006 Nahanni (NWT) Virginia Boulay 15,000 $69.95
2006 Jasper (Alberta) Michelle Grant 15,000 $69.95

Tall Ships Collection

This series features impressive tall ships.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2005 Three-Masted Ship Bonnie Ross 20,000 $69.95
2006 The Ketch John M. Horton 16,000 $69.95
2007 The Brigantine Bonnie Ross 16,000 $74.95

Architectural Collection

These coins highlight famous buildings and structures across Canada.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2006 Notre-Dame de Montréal Basilica Jianping Yan 15,000 $69.95
2006 CN Tower Jianping Yan 15,000 $69.95
2006 Pengrowth Saddledome Jianping Yan 15,000 $69.95

International Polar Year Coin

In 2007, the Mint released a $20 silver coin for the International Polar Year. It had a special metallic-blue finish to look like Arctic ice. The coin showed explorer Martin Frobisher and an Inuit man in a kayak. This design caused some discussion because Frobisher had kidnapped an Inuit man in the past.

Great Canadian Locomotives

This series celebrates famous Canadian trains.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2008 Royal Hudson Royal Canadian Mint engravers 10,000 $69.95
2009 Jubilee Royal Canadian Mint engravers 10,000 $74.95
2010 Selkirk Royal Canadian Mint engravers 10,000 $79.95
2011 D-10 Royal Canadian Mint engravers 10,000 $79.95

Crystal Raindrop Coins

These coins feature a beautiful raindrop design, some with special crystals.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2008 Tiny Echoes of Rain Royal Canadian Mint engravers 10,000 $89.95
2009 Autumn Showers Celia Godkin 10,000 $94.95

NHL Goalie Mask Coins

Another cool series for hockey fans! These $20 coins feature detailed goalie masks from different NHL teams and come with a special display stand.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price Special Notes
2008 Calgary Flames Marcos Hallam 10,000 74.95 Includes special lucite stand
2008 Edmonton Oilers Marcos Hallam 10,000 74.95 Includes special lucite stand
2008 Ottawa Senators Marcos Hallam 10,000 74.95 Includes special lucite stand
2008 Montreal Canadiens Marcos Hallam 10,000 74.95 Includes special lucite stand
2008 Toronto Maple Leafs Marcos Hallam 10,000 74.95 Includes special lucite stand
2008 Vancouver Canucks Marcos Hallam 10,000 74.95 Includes special lucite stand

Crystal Snowflake Coins

These beautiful $20 coins feature snowflake designs, often with real Swarovski crystals that sparkle!

The crystalline beauty of a snowflake shimmers with genuine CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2007 Blue Crystal - Piedfort Konrad Wachelko 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 5,000 $94.95
2007 Iridescent Crystal - Piedfort Konrad Wachelko 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 5,000 $94.95
2008 Amethyst Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 7,500 $94.95
2008 Sapphire Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 7,500 $94.95
2009 Blue Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 7,500 $94.95
2009 Pink Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 7,500 $94.95
2010 Blue Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 7,500 $99.95
2010 Tanzanite Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 7,500 $99.95
2011 Emerald Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 15,000 $114.95
2011 Topaz Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 15,000 $114.95
2011 Hyacinth Red Small Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 15,000 $114.95
2011 Montana Blue Small Crystal Konrad Wachelko 99.99% silver 15,000 $114.95

Holiday Pine Cones

These festive coins feature pine cones with Swarovski crystals and decorative ribbons.

A pair of pine cones with genuine CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements to enhance the pine needles and a decorative ribbon along the coin's edge

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2010 Moonlight Susan Taylor 99.99% silver 5,000 $99.95
2010 Ruby Susan Taylor 99.99% silver 5,000 $99.95

Other Holiday Coins

The Mint also releases other special coins for the holidays, often with festive scenes.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2007 Holiday Sleigh Ride Tony Bianco 99.99% silver 10,000 $69.95
2008 Holiday Carols Tony Bianco 99.99% silver 10,000 $69.95
2011 Winter Scene Rémi Clark 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper 8,000 $69.95
2011 Christmas tree Tony Bianco 99.99% silver 15,000 $114.95

Thirty Dollar Coins

The Mint has created $30 coins for various themes, including Canadian achievements and war memorials.

Canadian Achievements Series

This series celebrates important Canadian accomplishments, like the first Canadian spacewalk and the invention of IMAX.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2006 Canada's First Spacewalk, Col. Chris Hadfield Cecily Mok 20,000 $79.95
2007 Panoramic Camera, Niagara Falls Chris Jordison 15,000 $84.95
2008 Imax Imax Corporation 15,000 $84.95

National War Memorials Series

These coins honor important war memorials in Canada.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2006 National War Memorial RCM Engravers 15,000 $79.95
2006 Beaumont Hamel RCM Engravers 15,000 $79.95
2007 Vimy Ridge Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 15,000 $79.95

Fifty Dollar Coins

These $50 coins are often made of precious metals and celebrate significant anniversaries or events.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2006 Four Seasons Tony Bianco 2,000 $299.95
2007 Queen's Diamond Wedding Anniversary Steve Hepburn 4,000 $299.95
2008 100th Anniversary of Royal Canadian Mint Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 4,000 $369.95
2009 150th Anniversary: Construction of Parliament Buildings Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 2,000 $459.95
2010 Vancouver 2010 - Look of the Games Vancouver 2010 Design Team 2,010 $389.95
2010 75th Anniversary of the First Bank Notes Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 2,000 $389.95

Seventy-Five Dollar Coins

The Mint has also produced $75 coins for special occasions.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2005 Pope John Paul II Susan Taylor 5,000 $499.00

100 Dollar Gold Coins

These valuable $100 gold coins often commemorate important Canadian historical events or industries.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2000 150th Anniv., Search for Northwest Passage John Mardon 10,547 $259.95
2001 125th Anniv., Library of Parliament Robert R. Carmichael 8,080 $259.95
2002 Commemorating Canada's Oil Industry John Mardon 9,994 $259.95
2003 100th Anniversary of Marquis Wheat Thom Nelson 9,993 $259.95
2004 St. Lawrence Seaway Construction Susan Taylor 7,123 $259.95
2005 130th Anniversary of Supreme Court of Canada Suzanne Duranceau 9,000 $329.95
2006 75th Anniversary, Longest International Hockey Series Tony Bianco 9,000 $329.95
2007 140th Anniversary of the Dominion of Canada Bonnie Ross 5,000 $369.95
2008 200th Anniversary, Fraser River John Mantha 5,000 $386.95
2009 10th Anniversary of Nunavut Andrew Qappik 5,000 $419.95

150 Dollar Gold Coins

These $150 gold coins include more Chinese Lunar series and unique scallop-shaped coins.

18K Gold Proof Lunar Hologram Coin Series

This series features the Chinese zodiac animals with a hologram effect.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2000 Year of the Dragon Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 8,874 $388.88
2001 Year of the Snake Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 6,571 $388.88
2002 Year of the Horse Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 6,843 $388.88
2003 Year of the Goat Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 3,927 $398.88
2004 Year of the Monkey Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 3,318 $398.88
2005 Year of the Rooster Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 4,888 $398.88
2006 Year of the Dog Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 4,888 $448.88
2007 Year of the Pig Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 4,888 $498.95
2008 Year of the Rat Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 4,888 $508.95
2009 Year of the Ox Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 4,888 $638.88
2010 Year of the Tiger Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 4,888 $555.55
2011 Year of the Rabbit Harvey Chan 75% gold, 25% silver 4,888 $638.88

Scallop-shaped Series

These unique coins are shaped like scallops and are made of very pure gold.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2009 Blessings of Wealth Harvey Chan 99.999% pure gold 5,000 $799.95
2010 Blessings of Strength Harvey Chan 99.999% pure gold 1,388 $939.95

200 Dollar Gold Coins

These $200 gold coins include series celebrating Canadian Native Cultures and Traditions, and Canadian Art and Artists.

Celebrating Canadian Native Cultures and Traditions

This series features beautiful art from Indigenous Canadian artists.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
1997 Haida Raven Bringing Light to the World Robert Davidson 11,610 $414.95
1998 Legend of the White Buffalo Alex Janvier 7,419 $414.95
1999 Mikmaq Butterfly Alan Syliboy 6,510 $414.95
2000 Mother and Child Germaine Arnaktauyok 7,410 $414.95

Canadian Art and Artists Series

This series showcases famous Canadian artworks on coins.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2001 The Habitant Farm Cornelius Kreighoff 5,406 $414.95
2002 The Jack Pine Tom Thompson 5,754 $414.95
2003 Houses Lionel Lemoine Fitzgerald 4,118 $414.95
2004 Fragments Alfred Pellan 3,699 $414.95

250 Dollar Gold Coins

The Mint has also produced $250 gold coins, like one featuring a dog sled team.

Year Theme Artist Mintage Issue Price
2006 Dog Sled Team Arnold Nogy 900 $1089.95

300 Dollar Coins

These $300 coins are often made of gold and silver and feature unique designs, sometimes with Swarovski crystals.

Canadian Achievements Series

This series celebrates Canadian inventions and milestones.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2005 120th Anniversary of Standard Time Bonnie Ross 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,200 $999.95
2006 5th Anniversary of the First Canadian to Walk In Space; Canadarm2 Cecily Monk 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,000 $1,089.95
2007 140th Anniversary of the Invention of the Panoramic Camera; Rocky Mountains Chris Jordison 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,000 $1,111.95
2008 IMAX Imax Corporation 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,000 $1,228.95

Provincial Coat of Arms Series

This series features the official symbols of Canada's provinces and territories.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,000 $1,541.95
2008 Alberta Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,000 $1,631.95
2009 Yukon Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,000 $1,659.95
2009 Prince Edward Island Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 1,000 $1,949.95
2010 British Columbia Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 500 $2,249.95
2010 New Brunswick Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver 500 $2,249.95

Platinum Prehistoric Animals Collection

This very special collection features prehistoric animals and is made of platinum!

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2007 Woolly Mammoth Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 99.95% platinum 400 $2,999.95
2008 Scimitar Cat Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 99.95% platinum 200 N/A
2009 Steppe Bison Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 99.95% platinum 200 $2,999.95
2010 Ground Sloth Kerri Burnett 99.95% platinum 200 $2,999.95

350 Dollar Gold Coins

These very high-value gold coins often feature beautiful designs, like provincial flowers.

Provincial Flowers Series

This series showcases the official flowers of Canada's provinces and territories, made from very pure gold.

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
1998 The four flowers - rose, lis, thistle & shamrock Pierre Leduc 99.999% pure gold 1,998 $999.99
1999 The golden slipper (flower of Prince Edward Island) Henry Purdy 99.999% pure gold 1,999 $999.99
2000 The Pacific dogwood (flower of British Columbia) Caren Heine 99.999% pure gold 2,000 $999.99
2001 The mayflower (flower of Nova Scotia) Bonnie Ross 99.999% pure gold 2,001 $1,019.99
2002 The wild rose (flower of Alberta) Dr. A. K. Hellum 99.999% pure gold 2,002 $1,099.99
2003 The white trillium (flower of Ontario) Pamela Stagg 99.999% pure gold 2,003 $1,099.99
2004 The fireweed (flower of Yukon) Catherine Ann Deer 99.999% pure gold 2,004 $1,099.99
2005 The western red lily (flower of Saskatchewan) Chris Jordison 99.999% pure gold 2,005 $1,295.95
2006 Iris versicolor (flower of Quebec) Susan Taylor 99.999% pure gold 2,006 $1,489.95
2007 Purple violet (flower of New Brunswick) Sue Rose 99.999% pure gold 1,400 $1,520.95
2008 Purple saxifrage (flower of Nunavut) Celia Godkin 99.999% pure gold 1,400 $1,676.95
2009 Pitcher plant (flower of Newfoundland and Labrador) Julie Wilson 99.999% pure gold 1,400 $2,149.95
2010 Prairie crocus (flower of Manitoba) Celia Godkin 99.999% pure gold 1,400 $2,599.95

500 Dollar Coins

These are some of the highest value coins produced by the Mint, made of very pure gold. The 2007 coin was the first 5-ounce gold coin and introduced the $500 value!

Year Theme Artist Composition Mintage Issue Price
2007 Queen's Diamond (60th) Wedding Anniversary Steve Hepburn 99.99% pure gold 200 $5,999.95
2008 100th Anniversary Royal Canadian Mint Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 99.99% pure gold 250 $8,159.95
2009 150th Anniversary: Construction of Parliament Buildings Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 99.99% pure gold 200 $10,199.95
2010 Vancouver 2010 - Look of the Games Vancouver 2010 Design Team 99.99% pure gold 210 $9,495.95
2010 75th Anniversary of the First Bank Notes Royal Canadian Mint Engravers 99.99% pure gold 200 $9,495.95

Palladium Coins

The Mint also makes coins from palladium, another precious metal.

Big and Little Bear Constellations

This series features constellations in the sky.

Year Theme Artist Finish Issue Price Total Mintage Face Value
2006 Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter Colin Mayne Specimen $849.95 1,200 Fifty Dollars

Platinum Coins

The Mint produces coins from platinum, a very rare and valuable metal.

Endangered Wildlife Series

This collection, started in 1995, features animals that are at risk in Canada.

Year Theme Face Values Artist Issue Price Mintage Finish
2000 Pronghorn $30, $75, $150, $300 Mark Hobson $2,095.95 599 Proof
2001 Harlequin duck $30, $75, $150, $300 Cosme Saffioti, Susan Taylor $2,395.95 336 Proof
2002 Great blue heron $30, $75, $150, $300 John-Luc Grondin $2,495.95 700 Proof
2003 Atlantic Walrus $30, $75, $150, $300 John-Luc Grondin $2,995.95 365 Proof
2004 Grizzly bear $30, $75, $150, $300 N/A $2,995.95 376 Proof

Collector Cards

The Royal Canadian Mint also releases special "Collector Cards" that often come with information about new coins or special events. These cards can become quite valuable to collectors!

2003 Cards

  • Queen's Effigy

2004 Cards

  • 400th Anniversary of Acadia (Quarter)
  • Lucky Loonie
  • Poppy (Quarter)

2005 Cards

  • Alberta Centennial Quarter
  • Saskatchewan Centennial Quarter
  • Terry Fox Loonie
  • Victory Nickel
  • Year of the Veteran Quarter

2006 Cards

  • 10th Anniversary Toonie
  • Lucky Loonie
  • Medal of Bravery (Quarter)
  • Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Quarter

2007 Cards

  • Vancouver Olympics (15 Quarters, 2 Loonies)

2008 Cards

  • 400th Anniversary of Québec (Toonie)

2010 Cards

  • Poppy (2004, 2008, 2010 Quarters)

2011 Cards

  • Legendary Nature (Toonie, Loonie, 3 Colored and 3 Non-Colored Quarters)

2012 Cards

  • War of 1812 (Toonie, 8 Colored and 8 Non-Colored Quarters)

2013 Cards

  • Arctic Expedition (4 Quarters (2 Frosted, 2 Un-Frosted)

2014 Cards

  • "Wait For Me, Daddy" (Toonie)

2015 Cards

  • Sir John A. MacDonald (Toonie)
  • 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Flag (1 Colored, Non-Colored)

What Do Coin Finishes Mean?

When you see a coin described as "Proof" or "Specimen," it refers to how the coin was made and how it looks.

  • Bullion: This means the coin has a shiny design against a background with parallel lines.
  • Proof: These coins have a frosted (matte) design that stands out against a very shiny, mirror-like background. They are made with extra care.
  • Specimen: These coins have a shiny design against a smooth, satin-like background.

Special Marks on Coins (Mint Marks)

Sometimes, coins have small letters or symbols called "mint marks" that tell you something special about them.

  • A: Used on some 2005 Palladium Test Coins.
  • B: Also used on some 2005 Palladium Test Coins.
  • C: Found on gold "sovereign" coins made at the Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint between 1908 and 1919.
  • Dot: In 1937, some coins were made with a "1936" date but had a small dot under the year. This dot showed they were actually made in 1937, before new coin designs were ready.
  • 06SFS: This mark is on a very rare 2006 $50 Four Seasons silver coin.
  • H: Used on coins made for Canada by the Birmingham Mint (also called the Heaton Mint) until 1907.
  • Innukshuk: All coins made for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics have this symbol.
  • International Polar Year: The logo for the International Polar Year is on the 2007 $20 numismatic coin.
  • Man Becomes Mountain (Paralympics Symbol): All coins for the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics have this logo.
  • Maple Leaf: Coins made in 1948 but dated "1947" have a small maple leaf mark. This was because of a delay in getting new coin designs after India became independent.
  • P: From 2001 to 2006, most everyday coins (1-cent, 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent) had a "P" mark. This "P" stands for the Royal Canadian Mint's special plating process.
  • RCM Logo: In 2006, the Royal Canadian Mint started using its own logo as a mint mark on all coins to show they were made by the RCM.
  • T/É: This mark was used on special "test" gold coins in 2007 that were made with extremely pure gold (99.999%). "T/É" means "Test/Épreuve."
  • Teddy bear: A special one-dollar coin in the "Baby Lullabies and CD Set" had a tiny teddy bear mint mark.
  • W: Sometimes used on special collector sets made in Winnipeg, starting in 1998.
  • W/P: Used on a special set of coins in 2003. "W" means it was made in Winnipeg, and "P" means the coins were plated.

See also

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Royal Canadian Mint numismatic coins (2000s) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.