The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled a brand new loonie featuring one of Canada's most endangered species: the leopard frog.
As part of the Specimen Set, the Royal Canadian Mint crafted a new $1 coin in hopes of raising awareness for wildlife conservation and species recovery efforts in Canada.
For 2024, the set's specimen dollar, made up of three-ply brass-plated steel, calls attention to the plight of the endangered population of northern leopard frogs in British Columbia.
The reverse of the new Canadian coin includes the design of the leopard frog, created by artist Julius Csotonyi. Its depiction of a northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) shows the amphibian partially submerged in its wetland habitat, where it rests on aquatic vegetation.
The new loonie as part of the specimen set featuring a leopard frog. Royal Canadian Mint
"This portrayal underscores both the importance of preserving both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems necessary for the survival of the northern leopard frog and also how fragile it is, as its weight barely registers on the vegetation on which it rests," Csotonyi said.
The front of the new coin has the effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati, making this the first specimen set to feature the new monarch.
The new loonie as part of the specimen set featuring a leopard frog. Royal Canadian Mint
According to the Mint, the new Canadian coin has a mintage limited to 30,000 coins.
While the specimen set face value is less than $4, it will cost you slightly more to get your hands on it. The set can be purchased on the Royal Canadian Mint website for $64.95.
The set comes in book-style packaging, with a removable lens that allows for easy viewing of your coins. The specimen dollar is exclusive to the set and is not available for individual purchase.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
