This week, 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.”
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.”
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.
Click here to see all circulating denominations featuring the new effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and related collector products are available here.