What's New in Coins

The Royal Canadian Mint has put out many new innovative coins over the years. Their latest coin releases are just as beautiful as their past coins.

INNOVATION

Designing a new coin is a lengthy process. It all starts with theme development. Often themes align with significant historical events, famous people or even Canadas wildlife. Will the coin be colored or struck? Will it be embellished with precious stones? What metal will the new coin be composed of? How many will be made? Who will design the coin? and what will the selling price be?

The CN Tower

The second glow in the dark Canadian circulation coin features Canada's tallest freestanding building. This great tower was the worlds tallest structure for 36 years! The C.N. Tower has been a noticeable structure in Toronto's skyline since opening in June of 1976. Designed by Canadian illustrator Carl Wiens this new and innovative coin boasts 2 million colored versions and 1 million engraved. Composition is made up of an outer ring which is Three-ply nickel-plated steel. The inner core is three-ply brass-plated aluminum bronze, with selective color.

Clan Animals

The Sandhill Crane leads, the Bear protects, and the Otter unites. Inspired by the enduring teachings of the Anishinabek, this three‑coin series honors the clan animals. Their spirits help shape community and character. Each coin offers a modern reflection of their cultural and spiritual importance. Together they highlight the lasting bond between the Anishinabek and the animal world—where every creature has something to teach, and every encounter offers guidance for living in balance. These beautiful coins were designed by artist Mark V. Nadjiwan with a composition is 3/4oz of silver. 10,000 of each were struck.

Dancing Ammolite "Fire"

This Dancing Ammolite represents Fire and is the third coin in the four series coin set. Fire represents warmth, energy, creativity and passion. The gem stone is Canadian mined and flashes a warm red when the light hits it. Artists Mariya Olshevska (reverse), Steven Rosati (obverse) worked in collaboration and managed to create a work of art. Composed of silver then gold plated this coin was minted in very low numbers at 950 each. Collect all 4 to complete your set in this elemental themed series.

Become Informed

The more you learn the better off your coins will be.

Coin Anatomy

Obverse: The "heads" or face/front side of a coin, which normally depicts the national emblem or the head of a prominent person.

Reverse: The "tails" side of a coin, usually depicting the chosen design.

Relief: The raised or three-dimensional image found on a coin's field.

Field: The flat part of the coin (the background) on which the relief is struck.

Rim: The raised portion that runs around the perimeter of a coin.

Edge: The outer border of a coin, considered the "third side." May be plain or serrated - also known as "the edge reeding".

Proper coin Handling

Caring for coins is not just a question of esthetics: your collection requires proper handling and storage to ensure the integrity of your prized possessions.

Use Cotton Gloves

Skin oils and dirt damage your coin's finish and value. Never handle coins with bare hands, instead, use cotton gloves.

Avoid latex or plastic gloves, as their powder or lubricants can damage coins.

Holding your coin

Always pick up coins by the edges, between the thumb and forefinger.

Never hold a coin by touching the obverse or reverse surface.

To avoid damage should it be dropped, hold your coin over a thick, soft towel.

Limit talking over the coin: tiny, almost invisible drops of saliva can create impossible-to-remove spots.

Cleaning your coin

Unless you are an experienced specialist, avoid cleaning your coins.

Even wiping coins with a soft cloth may damage their finish and drastically reduce their value.

Displaying your coin

Use small, PVC-free plastic bags or slabs (sealed, hard plastic cases) for valuable collector coins.

For coins of lower value, keep them in acid-free paper sleeves or envelopes, tubes, folders or albums.

Creating a themed display allows you to tell the coins story. Themes could be based on historical periods, geographical areas, or even personal milestones. A themed display invites viewers to explore the story each piece tells.