The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled a set of uncirculated Canadian coins that feature the effigy of King Charles III.
In November 2023, the Royal Canadian Mint revealed the official design of the new effigy, crafted by Canadian portrait artist Steven Rosati, and a collectors set is available for purchase on the Mint's website.
The Classic Uncirculated Set collection features King Charles III on the obverse of the Canadian loonie, toonie, quarter, dime and nickel as well as a 50-cent coin. The set of Canadian coins is the first of its kind to feature the Canadian effigy of King Charles III, and there's one detail you may notice immediately.
The Classic Uncirculated Set collection featuring King Charles III on the obverse of the new Canadian coins.The Royal Canadian Mint
In keeping with tradition, King Charles III's profile is on full display. However, he is facing left, which is the opposite direction in which the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (designed by Susanna Blunt) was depicted during the late queen's reign.
While the face value of the entire coin set is $3.90, it will cost you slightly more to get your hands on the collector's set. The six Canadian coins can be purchased for $26.95. When purchased, all six coins come sealed and packaged in a custom-designed folder made up of green and gold colours — in honour of the collection being the first Uncirculated Set of King Charles III's reign.
The Classic Uncirculated Set collection featuring King Charles III on the obverse of the new Canadian coins.The Royal Canadian Mint.
The toonie ($2 coin), will still feature the iconic polar bear on the reverse of the Canadian coin, which was designed by Brent Townsend, and will weigh approximately seven grams and have a diameter of 28 millimetres.
The Classic Uncirculated Set collection featuring King Charles III on the obverse of the new Canadian coins.The Royal Canadian Mint.
As for the loonie, Canadians can still expect the loon, designed by Robert-Ralph Carmichael to appear on the coins reverse. The new loonie will weigh 6.27 grams and have a diameter of 26.5 millimetres.
The new $0.50 coin will include the Canadian coat of arms, designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin on the reverse, and King Charles III's effigy on the obverse. This coin will be the second biggest of the collection, with a diameter of 27.13 millimetres.
The Classic Uncirculated Set collection featuring King Charles III on the obverse of the new Canadian coins.The Royal Canadian Mint.
The new Canadian quarter will still feature the moose, designed by Emanuel Hahn on the reverse. The $0.25 coin will weigh roughly 4.5 grams and has a diameter of 23.88 millimetres.
The Classic Uncirculated Set collection featuring King Charles III on the obverse of the new Canadian coins.The Royal Canadian Mint.
As for the dime, the Bluenose will make an appearance on the reverse, as will the beaver on the Canadian nickel.
The Classic Uncirculated Set collection featuring King Charles III on the obverse of the new Canadian coins.The Royal Canadian Mint.
Despite the anticipation behind the collection, it seems as if Canadian coin collectors aren't too thrilled with how they turned out. "Not the quality that I have come to expect from the Mint," one reviewer wrote.
While the Royal Canadian Mint awaits stock, Canadians will be able to purchase the new coins soon, and with a mintage of 100,000, it's safe to say that there will be plenty to go around.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
