Ottawa 
The 2019 $1 Equality circulation coin (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mint)
Royal Canadian Mint has launched a one-dollar circulation coin commemorating 50 years of progress in recognizing the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians.
It was a 1969 Act of Parliament that marked the initial milestone on the journey to equality for LGBTQ2 communities by decriminalizing homosexual acts between two consenting people of 21 years or older.
The new coin, combining the words “EQUALITY-ÉGALITÉ” with the signature work of Vancouver artist Joe Average, starts circulating today.
Joe Average is a Vancouver-based artist whose early interest in drawing and photography led him to dedicate his life to his art when he was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1984. The design he created for the reverse of this coin is a stylized celebration of equality viewed through an LGBTQ2 perspective.
The image of two intertwined faces reflects gender fluidity and the spectrum of genders and is left open to interpretation: they may belong to two individuals or they may represent different aspects of one’s identity.
The reverse includes the words “EQUALITY” and “ÉGALITÉ” on two curved bands, as well as the double dates “1969” and “2019” to mark 50 years since the process of decriminalizing homosexual acts was initiated in Canada. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, in use on Canadian coins since 2003.
Interesting in collecting the coin?
Limited to a mintage of three million, the one-dollar “Equality” circulation coin will be in general circulation and will be available through several public coin exchanges in Canada.
This coin can also be collected in a special wrap roll of 25 uncirculated coins, retailing for $54.95 and limited to a mintage of 15,000 rolls.
Joe Average’s artwork is also celebrated on a full colour, 99.99% pure silver collector version of the “Equality” coin, which retails for $49.95 and is limited to a mintage of 15,000.
How to buy?
Coins can be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online. They can also be found at the Royal Canadian Mint’s boutiques, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
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