The two-dollar coin in Canada is commonly known as the “toonie”.
Here’s some information about the Canadian toonie:
- Bi-metallic: The toonie is made of two different metals, with an outer ring and an inner core.
- Obverse (front):
– Before 2023, the obverse featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
– Since 2023, it features a portrait of King Charles III.
- Reverse (back): The standard reverse design depicts a polar bear in early summer on an ice floe. This design was created by artist Brent Townsend.
- Security features: The Royal Canadian Mint has incorporated security features, including laser marks of maple leaves and a virtual image, to deter counterfeiting.
- Introduction: The toonie was introduced on February 19, 1996, replacing the two-dollar bill.
- Purpose: The coin was designed to be more durable and have a longer lifespan than the paper two-dollar bill.
- Naming: The name “toonie” is a portmanteau combining “two” with “loonie,” which is the nickname for Canada’s one-dollar coin.
The Royal Canadian Mint has released several commemorative editions of the toonie with different reverse designs to celebrate various events and themes. Examples include:
- The founding of Nunavut
- The 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City
- The 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin
- Honouring Queen Elizabeth II
Some editions, particularly those with errors or low mintage numbers, can be considered rare and collectible.
What is a Canadian $2 called?
The 2-dollar coin, or ‘ Toonie ‘, as Canadians have named it, features the image of an adult polar bear in early summer on an ice floe. It was designed by wildlife and landscape artist Brent Townsend.
Why is the 1996 toonie worth so much?
The 1996 Beaded Toonie (known examples: 4)
– They were a pattern experiment and only a small number were ever produced. – They were an early variety which was cancelled and the vast majority of struck coins were melted down.
Why is my Canadian $2 dollar coin black?
I can help with that. This $2 circulation coin is a solemn tribute to Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) that marks the end of a historic reign. Like a mourning band, the black outer ring surrounds the polar bear design at the centre of the coin’s reverse.