Canada Has A New $1 Coin & The Loonie Features Four Symbolic Aircraft (PHOTOS)

Canada has a new silver loonie in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

To commemorate the RCAF, the new Canadian coin features four significant aircraft on its reverse, "these form a powerful and captivating design that draws the viewer in and invites them to discover the meaning behind all of these symbolic images," the Royal Canadian Mint said.

The new coin, titled Fine Silver Proof Dollar – 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force is made up of 99.99% pure silver and honours the RCAF's history and legacy during its centennial year, per the Royal Canadian Mint website.

Fine Silver Proof Dollar – 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air ForceRoyal Canadian Mint

The reverse of the loonie, which was designed by Jason Bouwman, depicts the Force’s history and aviation fleet represented by four significant aircraft (from left to right): the De Havilland DH-82C Tiger Moth symbolizes the RCAF’s early years; the McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet represents its fighter fleet; the Lockheed CC-130 Hercules represents its fixed-wing aircraft fleet; and the Boeing Vertol CH-147 Chinook, its helicopter fleet.

Three aircraft leave contrails forming the RCAF tartan, all bearing the Royal Canadian Air Force roundel with the central maple leaf representing Canada’s Air Force, per the Royal Canadian Mint.

Fine Silver Proof Dollar – 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air ForceRoyal Canadian Mint

The planets and orbit rings symbolize the RCAF's future, while stars reflect its motto, "Sic Itur ad Astra." At the base of the new loonie, a flaming parrot tulip signifies "Rescue," chosen to honour the RCAF’s centennial at the Canadian Tulip Festival in 2024.

"My passion shifted to model building and drawing instead, and soon, both my bedroom and my portfolio were full of military aircraft. Now, I am honoured to have contributed a design that commemorates the rich history of the RCAF and the advances it made on "the pathway to the stars,’” Bouwman said.

Furthermore, the reverse of the coin includes a special frosting that allows the design to come to life.

Fine Silver Proof Dollar – 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air ForceRoyal Canadian Mint

As for the obverse of the coin, collectors will notice that the effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II is no longer present — having been replaced by the newest portrait of King Charles III.

With a mintage of 35,000, the new Canadian loonie weighs 23.17 g and has a diameter of 36.07 mm.

While its face value is, in fact, one dollar, it will cost you slightly more to get your hands on the new coin. Collectors can pre-order the loonie on the Royal Canadian Mint website for $69.95.

When purchased, your new coin will be delivered in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded black clamshell beauty box.

Keep Reading: The Royal Canadian Mint has released a handful of new coins in 2024 including several new $20 coins, an $8 silver coin, coins celebrating the Lunar New Year and even new Canadian coins with glow-in-the-dark features.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.