In honour of King Charles III’s first coronation anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint has revealed a special edition silver coin.
May 6 marked the first year since his Majesty’s coronation on March 6, 2023. For the first time in the Mint’s history, the coin features the king on both sides, with one side showcasing the official portrait taken by British photographer Hugo Burnand in full colour.
The portrait shows the king seated on a throne chair in full regalia wearing The Imperial State Crown and The Robe of Estate. He is also holding the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross and the Sovereign’s Orb.
On the obverse, the coin features the effigy of the king by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
The coin is made with one ounce of 99 per cent pure silver and is presented in an elegant, Royal Canadian Mint-branded, green beauty box.
“The idea was to achieve a stately composition by surrounding the portrait with maple leaves interpreted in a classic style. These are the leaves that symbolize Canada, of course, but they also serve as a unique framing device, adding a nicely defined shape and artistic flair without drawing attention away from the royal portrait,” 3D Artist-Engraver Louis-Remi Labelle said in a statement.
Collectors can purchase the special edition coin now for $89.95.
KING CHARLES III $20 BILL TO BE READY IN 2027
Meanwhile, Bank of Canada says it is currently in the process of redesigning a new $20 bill for the king.
Similar to the coin, the new bill will include the king as the portrait subject and the back will feature the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, according to a release by the bank.
The bank says the bill will be vertical like the recently redesigned $10 bill and be made of polymer and primarily green in colour.
“The process of issuing new notes involves several steps: research and development, design – including security features – and, finally, production. The Bank expects the new $20 note to be issued in early 2027,” the bank said in a release.
For now, the current $20 bill with Queen Elizabeth II is still in effect.
