The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled the new Canadian coins’ design featuring the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III that will appear on the obverse of all Canadian coins at a ceremony today at the Mint’s Winnipeg manufacturing facility.
Credit: Royal Canadian Mint
The first $1 circulation coin featuring this new image was also minted during the event, which coincided with King Charles’ 75th birthday.
The Royal Canadian Mint initiated the complex process to design the new effigy of King Charles III for Canadian coins following the federal government’s direction that future Canadian coins would bear the image of Canada’s first new monarch in 70 years.
Over 350 artists and Mint engravers were invited to submit portrait portfolios. A Mint review panel evaluated submissions for aesthetics, technicality, and mass-production viability.
Credit: Royal Canadian Mint
The design by Canadian portrait artist Steven Rosati was approved by the government and Buckingham Palace before coin production began.
“I am honoured and humbled to have had my design of His Majesty King Charles III’s effigy chosen for such a prestigious moment in the history of Canadian coins and very excited and proud to eventually see it in production,” said artist Steven Rosati in a statement.
“I am also very grateful to be among the many talented artists who have done designs for the Royal Canadian Mint.”
Per the news release, Rosati is only the third Canadian artist to have designed a royal effigy for Canada’s coinage since 1990 following Dora de Pédery-Hunt (1990-2002) and Susanna Blunt (2003-2023).
The Royal Canadian Mint plans to start circulating the new coins in all denominations in limited quantities by December 2023. These will be distributed through public coin exchanges and to meet new market demands. Additionally, the obverse of bullion and numismatic coins will also feature His Majesty’s effigy beginning in December 2023.
An image of King Charles III will also replace the late Queen Elizabeth II on the $20 bill during the next design process.
All existing coins with Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender.
For Collectors:
Credit: Royal Canadian Mint
Those interested can now get the inaugural coins bearing the image of King Charles III. These 2023 circulation coins are open for pre-order, showcase the fresh Canadian portrayal of King Charles III and represent the initial release of Canadian circulating coins with the updated design.
- 50-Cent Special Wrap Circulation Roll: $24.95
- Classic Uncirculated Coin Set: This six-coin set of uncirculated 2023 Canadian circulation coins is the first of its kind to feature the Canadian effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. All six denominations—even the hard-to-find 50-cent piece—are included in this set and housed in special green-and-gold packaging for the occasion. $26.95
- Special Wrap Roll Collection: First Strikes: $129.95