Check your change, coin collectors! Canada is about to get a stunning new $2 circulation coin, and this colourful toonie might be the most beautiful one yet.
On Tuesday, November 5, the Royal Canadian Mint introduced its latest $2 coin, which pays tribute to the "rich traditions and vibrant Inuit homeland" in Canada, known as Inuit Nunangat.
This northern land, home to Inuit for generations, covers four regions across Canada's Arctic, and the coin's breathtaking design was created to celebrate Inuit culture in all of its diversity.
This isn't your average toonie. This one-of-a-kind coin was designed by four Inuit artists—Tegan Voisey, Thomassie Mangiok, Charlotte Karetak, and Mary Okheena—each representing their own region of Inuit Nunangat.
Together, they crafted the coin's reverse, which honours Nuliajuk, the spirit of the sea. At the centre of the coin, Nuliajuk is depicted wearing a traditional atigi (parka), surrounded by a walrus, beluga whales, a seal, and Arctic char—all iconic animals of the Arctic.
On the outer ring around her image are four distinct uluit (traditional knives) representing each artist's home region, serving as unique signatures for each artist. The inscription "Inuit Nunangat" appears on the left.
Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said in a statement, "Nuliajuk's story is one of the most important in Inuit culture, and we are excited that she will now be honoured in Canadian currency, the way we have honoured her in our hearts and imaginations since time immemorial."
On the flip side, you'll find a portrait of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati — the standard obverse since last year when Canadian money began transitioning to feature the new monarch.
The new toonies will start circulating on November 7, 2024, so you might spot one in your pocket soon. But keep in mind, with a limited mintage of just three million coins—only two million of them coloured—this toonie could be a unique find!
It may take a few weeks for the coins to filter through banks and stores, so be on the lookout as you go about your day.
For collectors who just can't wait, the Royal Canadian Mint is also releasing special wrap rolls of these coins for $79.95, with both coloured and uncoloured versions available in limited edition rolls.
Earlier this year, the Royal Canadian Mint released another colourful new circulation toonie, saluting the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on its 100th anniversary.
A few months earlier, in June, a seriously pretty Anne of Green Gables loonie was released into circulation which honoured L.M. Montgomery, who the Mint described as "one of the most prolific and widely read authors in Canadian history."
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Canada's brand new $2 circulation coin might be the most beautiful toonie so far (PHOTO)
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