Mint also strikes first circulation coin
bearing His Majesty's image
WINNIPEG, MB, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Royal
Canadian Mint ushered in a new era in the history of Canadian coins
when its President and CEO, Marie
Lemay, unveiled and struck the very first Canadian
circulation coin bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III
at the Mint's manufacturing facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The 2023-dated
$1 circulation coin becomes the first
displaying the portrait of a new monarch in 70 years, after the
effigy of Queen Elizabeth II graced
Canada's coins from 1953 to 2023.
The contemporary portrait of King Charles
III is the work of Canadian artist Steven Rosati, who also participated in the
unveiling ceremony.
"Since opening its doors in 1908, the Mint has featured the
portrait of the reigning monarch on Canadian coins. When the
Government of Canada announced
that the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III would appear on
Canadian coins, we were proud to once more uphold a longstanding
Canadian tradition," said Marie
Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Many
of our employees worked as one to meet the historic challenge, and
we are pleased to be ready for production on the day of His
Majesty's birthday."
"The Royal Effigy on our coinage is an important Canadian
symbol," said the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Finance. "Steven
Rosati's portrait is a fitting tribute, and Canada is proud to mark His Majesty's birthday
with the striking of this first circulation coin."
Following the Government of Canada's May 6
announcement that the obverse (heads side) of future Canadian coins
would feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal
Canadian Mint immediately launched the process to create this new
design. It invited experienced coin designers and Mint engravers to
submit their concept of a "made-in-Canada" portrait of our new monarch. After
many artists and engraved answered this historic call, Montreal-based Steven
Rosati prevailed over a strong field of finalists.
"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. "I am also very grateful to be
among the many talented artists who have done designs for the Royal
Canadian Mint."
Mr. Rosati is only the third Canadian artist to have designed a
royal effigy for Canada's coinage
since 1990. He is preceded by Dora de Pédery-Hunt (1990-2002) and
Susanna Blunt (2003-2023).
The Mint plans to begin circulating a small volume of coins in
all circulating denominations by this December through public coin
exchanges and by meeting new market demand through the national
coin management system. The addition of His Majesty's effigy to the
obverse of bullion and numismatic coins will also begin in
December 2023.
The following collector products are being issued in
commemoration of this milestone:
- The 2023 Classic Uncirculated Set – First Strikes;
- The 2023 Special Wrap Roll Collection – First Strikes; and
- The 2023 50-Cent Special Wrap
Circulation Roll.
Visuals of all circulating denominations featuring the new
effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and related collector
products are available here.
About the Royal Canadian
Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for
the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of
the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing
award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as
well as Canada's prestigious
military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the
Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver
refining services. As an organization that strives to take better
care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces
and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates,
the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices
in every aspect of its operations.
For more information on the Mint, its products and services,
visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and
Instagram.
Alex Reeves, Senior Manager,
Public Affairs, Telephone: 613-884-6370, reeves@mint.ca
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