Year in Review
- Dec 31, 2023
- CELEBRATE
- 5 Minute read
Here at the Royal Canadian Mint, change is not only inevitable – it’s exciting!
This year, we’ve been at the forefront of change, not only in the world of numismatics, but also in our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of our rich heritage.
As the year draws to a close, let’s reflect on some of the transformative moments of the past year.
Here at the Royal Canadian Mint, change is not only inevitable – it’s exciting!
This year, we’ve been at the forefront of change, not only in the world of numismatics, but also in our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of our rich heritage.
As the year draws to a close, let’s reflect on some of the transformative moments of the past year.
Wonderous Women
For the first time in one year, we celebrated two exemplary women who had a lasting impact on Canadian history.
In January, we honoured Kathleen “Kit” Coleman who broke down barriers for women in journalism by becoming the first accredited woman war correspondent in North America. While in August, we commemorated the legacy of Elsie MacGill who broke new ground in both aerospace engineering and the fight for gender equality.
Unparalleled Depth
Showcased at the World Money Fair in February, after a robust research and development process that spanned years, this intricate coin was the first in the world to feature a multi-layer shadow box.
The coin’s reverse takes the 2019 Birds in the Backyard design and breaks it down into four distinct layers of art. By spacing out and superimposing these layers, the arrangement forms a richer, more complex scene with unparalleled depth, detail and realism, made possible by our R&D researchers.
Solemn Solidarity
For the second year, as the ongoing war in Ukraine marked its sombre one-year anniversary on February 24 - all net cash proceeds from the sale of our Pysanka-themed collector coins were directed to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal through the Canadian Red Cross.
Released on February 7, both Pysanka collectible coins were designed by Ukrainian-Canadian artists. Dave Melnychuk designed the 99.9% pure gold coin featuring Ukraine's national flower, the sunflower. While the 99.9% pure silver coin featured a colour-filled reverse with earth-toned colours and harvest-inspired motifs, was designed by Natalie Kit.
A Cooperative Creation
A first for a Canadian circulation coin, the design of our 2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day commemorative $2 coin features the combined work of three artists: Megan Currie, English River First Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Jennine Krauchi, Red River Métis.
An exceptional fusion of distinct artistic visions, the joint creation stunningly united the artists’ expressions of their cultures, art and traditions and is an open invitation to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Fun New Series, Fun New Shape
For this new series, we revisited a popular theme last seen in 2018 - snow crystals!
Pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we achieved another first with our hexagon shaped Snowflake coin. Released in September, featuring a sparkling snow crystal at its centre, this uniquely shaped coin showcases our commitment to innovation and artistry.
Single Source Stunner
In 2022, we introduced our first 1 oz. 99.99% pure gold Single-Sourced Mine Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin in response to market demand for greater transparency in the origin of precious metals.
In 2023, we were pleased to issue a second composed entirely of gold originating from a single Canadian source—this time, the Newmont Éléonore mine in Northern Quebec. Available through our authorized bullion dealers, this 1 oz. 99.99% pure GML bullion coin is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to the responsible sourcing of precious metals.
A Historic Transition Completed
The much-anticipated Canadian effigy of His Majesty King Charles III was unveiled on November 14th, 2023, in celebration of His Majesty’s 75th birthday.
Designed by Steven Rosati, a Canadian award-winning portrait artist, whose design was selected from an anonymous pool of artist submissions, the classic Uncirculated Coin Set is available for pre-order with general circulation coins featuring His Majesty King Charles III entering public circulation now.
Keen to get your hands on some of these coins before they are gone? Check out our 2023 collections here!